ABUJA — Five human rights organisations have called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to withdraw the proposed Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1034), warning that it could restrict civic space and undermine the work of civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
The organisations — Nigerian Human Rights Defenders Network (NHRDN), Partnership for Justice, Front Line Defenders (FLD), West African Human Rights Defenders Network (WAHRDN) and Protection International (PI) — made the call in a joint statement issued on Wednesday.
They said the bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, had passed second reading in the Senate in July.
According to the groups, the proposed law would establish a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC) with powers to register, inspect and audit organisations receiving foreign grants, donations or technical assistance, as well as impose sanctions, suspend operations or shut down organisations.
They expressed concern that such powers could affect independent civic groups, human rights defenders, legal aid providers and humanitarian organisations operating in Nigeria.
The groups urged the Senate to reconsider the bill and withdraw it, arguing that regulation of foreign assistance should not be used to undermine legitimate civil society activities or constitutional freedoms.
Their position comes amid broader opposition from civil society organisations. A coalition of 90 Nigerian, African and international groups has also called for the withdrawal of SB.1034, warning that it could weaken civic freedoms and democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.
