The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have threatened legal action if the National Assembly passes the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, describing the proposed legislation as a threat to civic space, media freedom and democratic participation.
The organisations urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to “immediately reject and withdraw the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034), as the Bill is unnecessary, unlawful, unconstitutional and threatens civic space, media freedom and democratic participation in Nigeria.”
Their position was made known in a joint open letter dated August 29, signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and NGE General Secretary, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, according to a statement by Oluwadare on Sunday.
SERAP and NGE said, “if enacted, the Bill would establish an extensive framework for governmental control over civil society organisations, independent media, religious organisations and other organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance.”
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), proposes mandatory registration and disclosure requirements and provides for sanctions, including a minimum fine of N20m for civil society organisations and private entities, as well as possible suspension or revocation of operating licences.
