Catholic Bishops’ Conference Opposes 2026 Foreign Aid Bill

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has officially rejected the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026. In a communiqué issued following their Second Plenary Meeting held from September 10 to 18 at the Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre in Osogbo Diocese, the bishops expressed concerns that the bill could negatively impact churches, mosques, schools, and humanitarian organizations aiding vulnerable communities.

Signed by CBCN President Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso and Secretary Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, the communiqué, dated September 19, was disseminated during Sunday Masses nationwide. The bishops criticized provisions that would allow authorities to deny registration or renewal of organizations deemed not in the "national interest," arguing this grants undue discretionary powers to government officials.

They warned the bill could create unnecessary bureaucracy and duplicate existing regulations, urging the National Assembly and Federal Government to reconsider the bill in light of fundamental rights and the development of the nation.