The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have warned that they may seek legal redress if the National Assembly proceeds with the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026.
The organisations, in a joint open letter dated August 29, called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to immediately reject and withdraw the controversial bill, identified as SB.1034.
SERAP and NGE argued that the proposed legislation could have serious implications for civic space, media freedom, freedom of association and democratic participation in Nigeria.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), passed its second reading in the Senate on July 22, 2026. It seeks to establish a proposed Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC) to regulate and monitor foreign assistance received by organisations and private entities in Nigeria.
Under the proposed framework, organisations receiving foreign assistance would face registration and disclosure requirements, while the commission would have powers to demand information, inspect records, conduct audits, monitor the use of funds and impose administrative sanctions.
SERAP and NGE also raised concerns about the proposed penalties. According to details of the bill, corporate entities could face a minimum fine of N20 million, as well as suspension or revocation of their operating licences, while individuals could face fines and imprisonment for non-compliance.
The organisations maintained that Nigeria already has institutions responsible for corporate registration, financial reporting, taxation, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption enforcement, including the Corporate Affairs Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and Federal Inland Revenue Service.
They therefore questioned the need for another regulatory body, arguing that the proposed commission could create overlapping powers and increase government interference in the activities of civil society organisations, independent media and other legitimate entities receiving foreign support.
SERAP and NGE further argued that provisions relating to terms such as “foreign aid”, “national priorities” and “public interest” lack sufficient clarity and could be applied in ways that restrict legitimate activities.
They said the bill could particularly affect independent media organisations and civil society groups that rely on foreign grants for investigative journalism, fact-checking, journalist safety, media development, humanitarian work and other public-interest activities.
The groups also contended that the proposed legislation could conflict with Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and association.
SERAP and NGE urged the National Assembly to withdraw the bill and instead pursue measures that promote transparency and accountability while protecting media freedom, civic participation and fundamental rights.
They warned that if the bill is passed despite the concerns raised, they would consider taking “all appropriate legal action in the public interest” to challenge the legislation and defend freedom of association, media freedom and civic participation in Nigeria.
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