A coalition of non-governmental and civil society organisations has raised the alarm over a new legislative proposal in the Senate, warning that the measure could stifle fundamental rights and heavily overregulate the country’s civic sector.
In a press statement issued by the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), the coalition expressed deep concern over the Foreign Aid Regulation, Disclosure and Transparency Bill (SB 1034), which passed its Second Reading in the Nigerian Senate on July 22, 2026.
While the bill purports to regulate foreign aid and enhance transparency in how international resources are received and used, the coalition argues that existing legal frameworks in Nigeria already cover registration, financial reporting, and funding disclosures for non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
AGFCS pointed out that introducing another layer of legislation creates unnecessary regulatory duplication. Rather than passing new laws, the coalition urged the government to focus on addressing enforcement and implementation gaps in existing statutes.
The coalition raised specific objections to provisions mandating additional registration for NGOs, arguing that such measures violate constitutional guarantees.
AGFCS stated that such requirements, alongside other restrictive provisions of the Bill, have implications for the right to freedom of association guaranteed under Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that the proposed restrictions could also breach Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
Addressing arguments that the legislation is necessary to counter illicit financial flows, the AGFCS acknowledged the importance of preventing non-profits from being exploited for terrorist financing. However, the group insisted that any anti-money laundering or counter-terrorism measures must be risk-based, targeted, and proportionate.
The group cautioned that the proposed bill conflicts with Recommendation 8 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which advises governments to safeguard non-profits against terrorist financing abuse without unnecessarily disrupting legitimate charitable operations. According to AGFCS, placing further restrictions on an already heavily regulated sector risks harming legitimate civic activities without effectively tackling the root causes of financial crime.
To prevent the shrinking of civic space, the coalition submitted key demands to the National Assembly and government stakeholders. First, they called for an immediate halt to all efforts to pass the Foreign Aid Regulation, Disclosure and Transparency Bill into law. Second, they urged lawmakers to strengthen and enforce current legal systems governing NGOs rather than introducing redundant legislation.
Third, they asked authorities to target actual enforcement vulnerabilities regarding financial accountability and anti-illicit flow mechanisms. Finally, the coalition demanded meaningful consultations with civil society organisations prior to introducing any regulatory measures that impact NGO funding and operations.
The coalition concluded that while the fight against terrorism financing and illicit financial flows is important, it must not come at the expense of legitimate civic activity or fundamental rights, emphasising that Nigeria’s regulatory approach should strike a healthy balance between national security and an open civic environment.
The joint statement was endorsed by member organizations of the Action Group on Free Civic Space, including African Focus For Youth Development (AFFYD), Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Center for Peace Education and Community Development, Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding – Kaduna, Centre for Justice, Empowerment & Development (C4J), Community Youth Arise Network, Dandalin Matasa Initiative for Rapid Development, Elixir Trust Foundation, Entrepreneurship Initiative for African Youth (EIFAY Africa), Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), GARGA Foundation, Headfort Foundation for Justice, Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation (ISDFoundation), MAYFRAME Development Initiative, Open Knowledge Development Initiative, Partnership for Social and Environmental Development Initiative (P4SEDI), Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative (REJA), Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Spaces for Change, Thrivescape Initiative, TruORGANIC Initiative for Social and Communities Development, Vision Spring Initiatives, and Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI). #Securitynewsalert.com
