Nigeria: Foreign Aid Bill Endangers Civil Society

Abuja — National Assembly Should Reject Legislation A proposed law to regulate foreign aid risks undermining the independence of civil society organizations and shrinking civic space in Nigeria, Human Rights Watch said today. The National Assembly should reject provisions that would give authorities undue influence over the funding and activities of independent organizations. In May 2026, the Senate introduced the Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, which seeks to regulate the use of foreign aid, grants, and donations in Nigeria. The bill would establish a regulatory commission to oversee foreign aid. The bill says its intention is to promote transparency and accountability, align aid with national development priorities, prevent the misuse and duplication of projec