Foreign Aid Bill threatens civil society independence, HRW tells National Assembly

August 31, 2026

Senate

ABUJA — Human Rights Watch, HRW, has urged the National Assembly to reject provisions in the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, warning that the legislation could undermine the independence of civil society organisations and further shrink civic space in Nigeria.

The rights organisation said although transparency and accountability in the management of foreign aid, grants and donations were legitimate objectives, the proposed regulatory framework could give government authorities excessive influence over the funding and activities of independent organisations.

The Senate introduced the bill in May 2026. Among other provisions, it seeks to establish a regulatory commission to oversee foreign aid and donations in Nigeria.