SERAP, EDITORS REJECT FOREIGN AID BILL, WARN OF THREAT TO MEDIA FREEDOM

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have called on the National Assembly to reject the proposed Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, warning that the legislation could undermine civic space, media freedom and democratic participation in Nigeria.

In a joint open letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the two organisations described the proposed legislation as unnecessary, unlawful and unconstitutional. 

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, who represents Gombe North Senatorial District, seeks to introduce mandatory registration and disclosure requirements for organisations and private entities that receive foreign assistance.

It 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 withdrawal of operating licences.

SERAP and the NGE argued that the proposed framework would give the government extensive powers to regulate organisations receiving foreign assistance, including civil society groups, independent media organisations, religious bodies and humanitarian organisations.

The organisations expressed concern over provisions that would establish a proposed Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission, which they said would have powers to register organisations, demand financial disclosures, inspect records, investigate activities, monitor foreign assistance and impose sanctions.

They argued that such powers could expose legitimate organisations to excessive government supervision and potentially interfere with their independence.

The groups also warned that the proposed law could have serious consequences for independent journalism because many media and civil society organisations rely on foreign grants to fund investigative journalism, fact-checking, journalist safety initiatives and other public-interest activities.

According to SERAP and the NGE, subjecting such organisations to another executive-controlled regulatory structure could increase pressure on their operations and create conditions that encourage self-censorship.

The organisations further questioned the need for another regulatory body, arguing that Nigeria already has several institutions responsible for corporate registration, financial reporting, taxation, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption enforcement.

They specifically referenced agencies including the Corporate Affairs Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering and Federal Inland Revenue Service.

SERAP and the NGE maintained that the proposed bill had not demonstrated any regulatory gap that would justify establishing another institution with potentially overlapping powers.

They also criticised what they described as vague terminology in the bill, including references to “foreign aid,” “national priorities” and “public interest.” The organisations argued that unclear definitions could allow the proposed regulatory framework to be applied inconsistently.

They further expressed concern about the penalties contained in the bill, saying fines of at least N20 million, possible suspension or revocation of licences and other sanctions could place excessive pressure on organisations.

The organisations urged the National Assembly to immediately withdraw and reject the bill and publicly commit to avoiding legislation that unjustifiably restricts civic activities, freedom of association or media operations.

They also called for any future legislation concerning foreign assistance to focus on transparency and accountability without creating unnecessary restrictions on legitimate organisations.

SERAP and the NGE warned that the proposed legislation was particularly concerning as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, a period when they said the protection of civic space, independent journalism and democratic participation would be especially important.

The organisations said that if the bill is eventually passed into law despite the constitutional and human rights concerns they have raised, they would consider taking legal action to challenge its provisions.

The latest opposition to the bill adds to growing concerns among civil society and media organisations over the potential impact of increased government regulation on independent institutions and public-interest organisations.

SERAP and the NGE maintained that transparency in the management of foreign assistance is important but argued that such efforts should not come at the expense of fundamental freedoms, independent journalism and democratic participation.