Five human rights organisations have urged the National Assembly and the Federal Government to withdraw the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1034), warning that the proposed law could shrink civic space and create additional risks for civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
The organisations — the Nigerian Human Rights Defenders Network (NHRDN), Partnership for Justice, Front Line Defenders (FLD), West African Human Rights Defenders Network (WAHRDN) and Protection International (PI) — made the call in a joint statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the groups, the bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), passed second reading in the Senate in July.
They expressed particular concern about the proposed establishment of a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC), which would have powers to register, inspect and audit organisations receiving foreign grants, donations or technical assistance. The commission would also be empowered to impose sanctions and suspend or shut down organisations under certain circumstances.
The organisations said such powers could have far-reaching consequences for independent civic groups, human rights defenders, legal aid providers and humanitarian organisations working across Nigeria.
They argued that the proposed framework could conflict with Nigeria’s international human rights commitments, including undertakings made during the country’s fourth-cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR). They pointed specifically to recommendations aimed at ensuring a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders and civil society organisations.
The groups also linked the issue to Nigeria’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term. They said the country’s international ambitions should be matched by stronger domestic safeguards for individuals and organisations working to promote and protect human rights.
Concerns over registration and disclosure requirements
The organisations highlighted several provisions they said could create practical and security challenges for civil society groups.
They raised concerns about Section 6(1), which requires foreign aid to be registered within 30 days of receipt. The groups said the deadline could prove difficult in situations where organisations need to access emergency funding quickly, including for legal defence, relocation support and assistance to survivors of human rights violations.
They also criticised Sections 7 and 8, which provide for the public disclosure of implementing partners and funded activities through a national register.
According to the organisations, making such information publicly accessible could expose human rights defenders, survivors, witnesses and people involved in sensitive investigations or documentation to security threats.
The groups therefore called on lawmakers and the Federal Government to reconsider the proposed legislation, warning that regulation of foreign assistance should not come at the expense of the independence, safety and effectiveness of organisations working in the public interest.
