Coalition demands withdrawal of Foreign Aid Bill, warns of 5-year jail for activists
Over 30 civil society organisations including SERAP, BudgIT and Enough is Enough Nigeria called at a press conference earlier today for immediate withdrawal of the Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, labeling it repressive and unconstitutional. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe North), passed Senate second reading in July and seeks to register foreign aid with penalties of up to 5 years' imprisonment and ₦5 million fine for individuals, and ₦20 million fine plus licence revocation for organisations.
The coalition argues the bill's broad NGO definition could cover church welfare committees, mosque Zakat networks, hometown development unions, alumni associations and informal savings groups, duplicating existing regulators like CAC and EFCC while granting excessive government power over independent groups. They note Nigeria already has aid transparency via the 2024 Development Cooperation Dashboard, which could be strengthened instead of creating a new commission with broad enforcement powers.
The coalition warns that requiring foreign-funded projects to align with government priorities undermines organisations investigating state abuses or advocating for communities whose interests conflict with official policies. They urge the National Assembly to withdraw the bill and call on religious leaders, student unions and community groups to oppose it, stating: "We do not need a license to care for our communities."
Will you support the coalition's call to withdraw this bill, or do you believe stronger oversight of foreign aid is necessary despite the risks to civic space?