Akwa Ibom CSOs fault proposed Civil Society Registration Bill, demand review

Stakeholders in the civic space have identified some lapses in the proposed Akwa Ibom Civil Society Registration Harmonization Bill 2026, which has already passed first reading on the floor of the House.

They expressed concerns over its legal provisions, regulatory powers and potential implications for civic space, calling for urgent review.

The stakeholders made the call in Uyo on Friday during a workshop organised by the Forum of Akwa Ibom CSOs and the Technical Working Group, TWG, with support from EU-funded CSO-Bridge Project and the Ethics and Good Leadership Awareness Initiative, EGLAI.

Speaking during the technical presentation, Dr Sam Oguche of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies expressed reservation at the appointment of the Registrar and three Assistant Registrars, noting that the bill does not provide for direct CSO involvement in the selection process.

He also questioned the undefined requirement of 10 years’ relevant sector experience, the absence of safeguards for geographical representation, and the lack of clarity regarding the Registry’s legal status and functions. He warned that assigning excessive powers to the Registrar rather than the Registry as an institution could undermine accountability.

Also speaking, Barr. Shekwonya Galadima of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission faulted the bill’s drafting style, citing inconsistencies with modern legal drafting standards, grammatical errors, improper capitalisation and undefined terms.

She further identified the absence of provisions for regulations, offences and sanctions, proper citation and schedules, calling for the necessary corrections to improve the bill’s legal clarity.

Members of the TWG and media practitioners also alleged that the version presented for review differed significantly from the one they had submitted to the State House of Assembly before it passed first reading.

The team lead of EGLAI, Dr Harry Udo, described the engagement as participatory and inclusive, noting that discussions focused on transparency, accountability and effective regulation without unduly restricting civic space.

“Regulation is positive unless it becomes overly restrictive,” Dr Udo said, adding that an appropriate legal framework could strengthen accountability and build government confidence in partnering with CSOs.