SERAP and NGE urge National Assembly to withdraw foreign aid bill, citing threats to civic space and media freedom

In a joint open letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the organizations argued that the Bill, sponsored by Ibrahim Dankwambo, is "unnecessary, unlawful, unconstitutional and a threat to civic space, media freedom and democratic participation in Nigeria." They warned that the legislation would establish extensive governmental control over civil society organizations, independent media, religious bodies, and private entities receiving foreign assistance. The Bill proposes mandatory registration, disclosure requirements, and sanctions, including fines and potential license revocation.

SERAP and NGE stated that existing institutions like the Corporate Affairs Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit already regulate financial activities, making a new Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission redundant. Concerns were also raised about vague provisions in the Bill, such as "foreign aid," "national priorities," and "public interest," which could lead to arbitrary enforcement. The organizations highlighted that the Bill's sweeping powers could expose legitimate groups to intrusive governmental supervision and interference, potentially leading to self-censo