Nigeria Senate Proposes Bill to Regulate Foreign Aid

The Nigerian Senate is considering a proposed bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Regulation, Coordination, Transparency and Disclosure of Foreign Aid, Grants and Donations Received in the Federal Republic of Nigeria; to Ensure Accountability in the Utilization of Such Aid; and for Related Matters, 2026 (SB. 1034).” Sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe North, the bill was introduced on May 6, 2026, and passed its second reading on July 22, 2026. It is currently under review by the Senate Committees on National Planning and Economic Development and Finance, which will hold a public hearing for stakeholder input, including NGOs.

This marks the fourth attempt by the National Assembly to regulate NGO activities, following previous stalled proposals in 2016, 2017, and 2019/2020. The bill aims to establish a framework for regulating foreign aid, ensuring alignment with national priorities, and preventing misuse.

It proposes the creation of the Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC) to oversee these efforts.