The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on the National Assembly to immediately reject and withdraw the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034).
The groups in a statement on Sunday, urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to halt the proposed legislation, describing it as unnecessary, unlawful and unconstitutional.
According to SERAP and NGE, the bill poses a serious threat to civic space, media freedom and democratic participation in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), seeks to introduce mandatory registration and disclosure requirements for organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance.
If passed, the bill would create what the groups described as an extensive framework for government oversight and control of civil society organisations, independent media, religious organisations and other entities that receive foreign funding.
The legislation also proposes sanctions for non-compliance, including a minimum fine of N20 million for civil society organisations and private entities, as well as possible suspension or revocation of operating licences.
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While the bill is presented as an effort to promote transparency in the management of foreign assistance, SERAP and NGE argued that its provisions could be used to restrict the legitimate activities of independent organisations and undermine fundamental freedoms.
They therefore called on the National Assembly to withdraw the bill and publicly commit to avoiding any future legislation that unjustifiably limits civic space, media freedom or the lawful activities of civil society organisations and private entities.
The groups further warned that they would consider legal action if the bill is passed into law despite the constitutional and human rights concerns raised.
SERAP and NGE said such action would be aimed at protecting freedom of association, media freedom and citizens’ right to participate in democratic processes.
The organisations maintained that transparency and accountability in foreign assistance should not come at the expense of constitutional rights and democratic freedoms.