Nigerian groups urge Senate to withdraw Foreign Aid Bill, citing rights concerns

A coalition of five Nigerian human rights organizations has called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to withdraw the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026.

The groups, including 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), issued a joint statement warning that the bill's provisions could stifle civic space and undermine the work of human rights defenders and civil society organizations.

The proposed legislation, which passed its second reading in the Senate in July, seeks to establish a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC). This commission would have broad powers to register, inspect, audit, sanction, and potentially suspend or shut down organizations receiving foreign grants, donations, or technical assistance. The rights groups contend that such a framework could significantly impact independent civic groups, legal aid providers, and humanitarian organizations operating in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the organizations argue that the bill contradicts Nigeria's international commitments, particularly recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review aimed at creating a safe environment for human rights defenders. They also highlighted Nigeria's candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council, suggesting that domestic protection of human rights defenders should be strengthened.

Specific concerns were raised about several sections of the bill. Section 6(1), requiring foreign aid to be registered within 30 days of receipt, could impede emergency funding for critical needs like legal defense and support for victims of rights violations. Sections 7 and 8, mandating public disclosure of implementing partners and funded activities, were criticized for potentially exposing individuals involved in sensitive work to security risks. Additionally, Section 11, which requires foreign-funded activities to align with Nigeria's national development plans, was deemed overly broad and could restrict organizations working on human rights, land, and environmental issues.