CBCN Rejects Nigeria Foreign Aid Bill 2026: Calls for Legislative Halt

• The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has rejected the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026.
• The CBCN warns the bill could adversely affect churches, mosques, schools, and humanitarian organizations by granting broad discretionary powers to government officials.
• Concerns include potential denial of registration or renewal for activities deemed "not in the national interest" and duplication of existing regulatory frameworks like CAMA.
• The bishops urged the National Assembly and Federal Government to halt the bill's enactment, citing threats to fundamental rights of association and religion.
• The CBCN's opposition aligns with broader concerns from civil society and Human Rights Watch regarding excessive government control over independent organizations.

The CBCN argued that such provisions would confer broad and undue discretionary powers upon government officials, potentially leading to arbitrary decisions.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has publicly rejected the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026, calling on both the National Assembly and the Federal Government to cease all further legislative steps towards its enactment. This significant opposition from the CBCN highlights deep concerns that the legislation, if passed, could severely impede the operations of various non-profit entities, including churches, mosques, educational institutions, and humanitarian organizations that deliver vital assistance to vulnerable and conflict-affected populations across Nigeria.

The CBCN’s firm stance was articulated in a communiqué issued following its Second Plenary Meeting for 2026. This crucial gathering took place from September 10 to 18 at the Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre in Oke-Gada, Ede, located within the Osogbo Diocese of Osun State. The communiqué, dated September 19, bore the signatures of Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna, who serves as the President of the CBCN, and Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta, the Conference’s Secretary. To ensure widespread awareness among its congregants, the document was subsequently read aloud in Catholic parishes nationwide during Sunday Masses.

While acknowledging that certain provisions within the Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026, such as those requiring the registration of foreign aid resources and government oversight of their utilization, might appear to promote transparency, the CBCN warned of their potentially far-reaching negative consequences. The bishops specifically criticized clauses that could grant authorities the power to deny registration or refuse the renewal of an organization’s operating license if its activities are deemed "not in the national interest." This particular aspect of the proposed Nigeria NGO foreign funding regulation is seen as problematic, introducing significant new regulatory burdens.

The CBCN argued that such provisions would confer broad and undue discretionary powers upon government officials, potentially leading to arbitrary decisions. They further cautioned that the proposed legislation could introduce an "unnecessary layer of bureaucracy," duplicating existing regulatory frameworks. This duplication, they contend, would grant the government excessive control over independent civic organizations, including those already regulated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) for incorporated trustees and non-profit entities. The existing CAMA religious bodies regulation Nigeria already provides a framework for oversight, making the new bill potentially redundant and overly burdensome for entities like churches and mosques.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria opposition to the Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026 is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader wave of resistance from civil society and human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch, for instance, had already urged the National Assembly in August to reject the bill. While acknowledging the legitimate objectives of transparency and accountability in foreign aid, Human Rights Watch similarly expressed concerns that certain provisions could grant government authorities excessive influence over the funding and operational activities of independent organizations. This collective pushback underscores significant apprehension regarding the bill's potential impact on the operational autonomy of non-governmental and faith-based groups, and raises questions about potential legal challenges concerning fundamental rights.

The bill, officially designated as SB.1034, commenced its legislative journey in the Senate in May 2026. It has since progressed through its first and second readings, indicating a significant advancement in the legislative process. Following these initial stages, the bill was referred for further legislative consideration, meaning it is still actively under review and could potentially be enacted into law. The CBCN's urgent appeal to halt its progression stems from a deep concern for fundamental rights, including freedom of association Nigeria legislation currently protects, and freedom of religion, thought, and conscience, which they believe the bill could undermine, ultimately affecting the overall development and well-being of the Nigerian populace.

This proposed bill, if enacted, could introduce significant new regulatory burdens and broad discretionary powers over foreign aid for NGOs, religious bodies, and humanitarian organizations in Nigeria. Lawyers advising such entities must closely monitor its legislative progress and prepare clients for potential compliance challenges, including registration denials or renewals based on broad 'national interest' clauses, and be ready to advise on potential legal challenges concerning fundamental rights.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspaper