By Francis Ajuonuma
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have threatened legal action against the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, warning that its passage could further shrink civic space and undermine media freedom ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The two organisations, in a joint open letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, urged the National Assembly to immediately withdraw and reject the proposed legislation.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), seeks to introduce mandatory registration and disclosure requirements for organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance, with penalties including a minimum fine of N20 million, suspension or revocation of operating licences.
SERAP and NGE argued that, despite being presented as a transparency measure, the proposed law would create an extensive framework for government control over civil society organisations, independent media and other bodies receiving foreign assistance.
“Although the Bill is presented in the guise of promoting transparency, it would establish an extensive framework for governmental control over civil society organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance,” the organisations said.
They warned that the proposed Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission would wield broad powers to register, investigate, inspect and sanction organisations, a development they said could expose independent media and civic groups to excessive government interference.
The groups particularly expressed concern about the political implications of the legislation as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
“As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections amid an increasingly shrinking civic space, the Bill further threatens fundamental rights, democratic participation and media freedom,” they said.
According to the organisations, Nigeria already has several agencies, including the Corporate Affairs Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, with statutory responsibilities covering financial reporting and regulatory oversight.
They argued that creating another regulator would amount to duplication and impose additional costs on public resources.
SERAP and NGE also contended that the bill’s broad provisions could affect not only civil society organisations but also media organisations, professional bodies, universities, research institutions, religious and humanitarian groups receiving foreign grants or development support.
They warned that the proposed penalties could be deployed to weaken independent voices and restrict legitimate democratic participation.
“Should the Bill be passed into law despite the serious constitutional and human rights concerns raised, SERAP and NGE will consider taking all appropriate legal action in the public interest,” they said.
The organisations urged the National Assembly to prioritise legislation that strengthens transparency and accountability without undermining constitutional freedoms.
They also called on federal lawmakers to resist legislative measures capable of narrowing civic space or silencing critical voices in the politically sensitive period leading to the 2027 general elections.
