Coalition Urges NASS to Withdraw Threatening Bills

A coalition of civil society organizations held a press conference on Monday in Abuja, calling on the National Assembly to withdraw several controversial bills, including the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034). Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), stated that the proposed legislation would require social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria, thereby unjustifiably restricting civic space and threatening fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and assembly.

Olubunmi Aweda, Country Manager and Director of Global Rights Nigeria, urged the National Assembly to engage in meaningful consultations with stakeholders before passing any reforms affecting civic freedoms. Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International, called for the rejection of the bills and the pursuit of legislation that protects civic space.

Abayomi Sarumi, Associate Director of CAPPA, expressed concern over proposals that would increase governmental control over digital platforms, which are essential for public debate and civic participation.