Nigeria's National Assembly: Foreign Aids Regulation Transparency Disclosure Bill Withdrawn

• Five human rights organisations in Nigeria have called on the National Assembly to withdraw the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1034).
• The bill's provisions could restrict civic space and undermine the work of civil society organisations.
• Critics argue that the legislation would compromise the independence of human rights defenders and civil society groups.

The organisations are the National Human Rights Commission, among others, have expressed their opposition to the bill in a joint statement.

The National Assembly in Nigeria is currently considering the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1034), which has sparked concerns among human rights organisations. Five prominent groups have come out against the bill, urging its withdrawal due to fears that it could severely restrict civic space and undermine the work of civil society organisations. The organisations, including the National Human Rights Commission, have expressed their opposition to the bill in a joint statement. They argue that the legislation's provisions would compromise the independence of human rights defenders and civil society groups.

The Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1034), aims to regulate foreign aid in Nigeria, but its proponents have been accused of using it as a tool to restrict civic space. The bill's provisions would require civil society organisations to register with the government and disclose their funding sources, which critics argue could lead to self-censorship and undermine the sector's ability to hold the government accountable. This has raised concerns among human rights defenders and lawyers who fear that the legislation could be used to silence dissenting voices. The bill is currently pending in the National Assembly, where it awaits consideration.

The withdrawal of the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1034), may have significant implications for civic space and human rights in Nigeria. If passed, the bill could lead to a restrictive environment for civil society organisations, making it difficult for them to operate freely. This would undermine their ability to hold the government accountable and promote transparency and accountability. The withdrawal of the bill is seen as a victory for human rights defenders who have been fighting against its provisions. However, lawyers and compliance officers should remain vigilant and monitor any potential changes to related regulatory requirements.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential implications on civic space and human rights in Nigeria, as the withdrawal of this bill may impact related regulatory requirements.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard News