CSOs Raise Alarm Over Foreign Aid Regulation Bill

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and local non-governmental organisations in Nigeria have raised concerns over the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, warning that it could undermine humanitarian operations and restrict civic space in the country.

The Network of Adamawa Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), made the position known while adresing jounalist in Yola while marking the 2026 World Humanitarian Day.

NANGO said the proposed legislation seeks to impose a sweeping inspection and sanction regime on recipients of foreign aid, including civil society and humanitarian organisations.

It warned that the measures could create overlapping bureaucratic structures, duplicate existing regulatory frameworks and slow down emergency responses, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach communities.

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The group said local and national organisations remain critical to Nigeria’s humanitarian response, describing them as often the first responders and the last to leave affected communities.

It argued that excessive regulation could weaken the operational capacity and independence of organisations providing humanitarian, health, education, development and protection services to vulnerable populations.

NANGO further expressed concern that the proposed legislation could conflict with constitutional guarantees on freedom of association and expression, as well as Nigeria’s international humanitarian commitments. The organisations called on the Federal Government to protect aid workers and civilians, ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, and address the killing and kidnapping of humanitarian workers and citizens.

The group urged the leadership and members of the National Assembly to immediately withdraw or permanently discontinue consideration of the Foreign Aid Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure Bill, 2026, and other related CSO and NGO regulatory proposals which it said could threaten civic space and humanitarian operations. It also called on donors, UN agencies and international partners to increase direct and flexible funding for local organisations and support equitable partnerships that strengthen local leadership.

NANGO said strengthening locally led humanitarian action should remain a shared responsibility of government, donors, UN agencies, international and national NGOs and affected communities. It stressed that empowering local organisations and protecting those delivering humanitarian assistance are essential to ensuring effective, accountable and sustainable responses to Nigeria’s growing humanitarian challenges.