Human Rights Watch Urges Nigeria’s National Assembly to Reject Foreign Aid Bill

Human Rights Watch is calling on Nigeria’s National Assembly to reject a proposed foreign-aid law, warning that its requirements could allow government authorities to control the work of independent civil society groups.

The Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill was introduced in the Senate in May 2026. It would regulate foreign aid, grants and donations and create a commission to oversee foreign-funded activities. Its stated goals include improving transparency, preventing misuse and duplication of projects, aligning aid with national development priorities and expanding public access to information.

HRW said the proposed alignment requirement is too vague and could expose organisations to excessive government influence. “Independence is essential to the work of civil society organizations working to scrutinize government actions, expose wrongdoing, hold those in power accountable, and advocate for reforms,” said Anietie Ewang, the group’s Nigeria researcher. “Legislation that seeks to align foreign funding with government priorities risks expanding government control over independent civil society and suppressing dissent.”

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Independence is essential to the work of civil society organizations working to scrutinize government actions, expose wrongdoing, hold those in power accountable, and advocate for reforms.

The bill has passed its first and second readings in the Senate and now sits with the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs. The committee is conducting detailed consideration, public hearings and stakeholder consultations before submitting recommendations to the Senate. If senators approve it, the bill would still need to pass the House of Representatives and receive presidential assent.

HRW said the proposal resembles earlier efforts to increase oversight of nongovernmental organisations. It cited a 2016 bill that stalled after a 2017 public hearing and a similar measure introduced in 2020 that was withdrawn after opposition from lawmakers.

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Legislation that seeks to align foreign funding with government priorities risks expanding government control over independent civil society and suppressing dissent.