MOTION Calls for Withdrawal of NGO Regulation Bill

The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION) issued a statement on Monday urging the National Assembly to withdraw the proposed NGO Regulation Bill. MOTION contends that the bill could undermine civic freedoms and weaken civil society's role in Nigeria's democratic development.

The organization argues that the legislation would impose unnecessary restrictions on NGOs, which have significantly contributed to national development in areas such as humanitarian assistance, education, and human rights advocacy. MOTION expressed concern that the bill could create barriers to NGO registration, governance, funding, and advocacy, thereby discouraging citizen participation and public oversight.

The group pointed out that Nigeria already has sufficient regulatory mechanisms in place, including registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and financial reporting obligations. MOTION emphasized the need for the National Assembly to engage in broad consultations with civil society before considering any reforms and recommended protecting constitutional guarantees of freedom of association and expression.