HRW Urges Rejection of Nigeria's Foreign Aid Bill

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Nigeria's National Assembly to reject the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, which it warns could threaten the independence of civil society organizations and reduce civic space in Nigeria. Introduced by the Senate in May 2026, the bill aims to regulate foreign aid, grants, and donations, establishing a regulatory commission for oversight.

HRW expressed concerns that the bill's requirement for foreign-funded activities to align with government priorities could lead to excessive government control over NGOs. Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at HRW, emphasized the importance of independence for civil society in holding the government accountable.

The bill has passed its first and second readings in the Senate and is currently with the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs for further consideration. The committee has four weeks from July 22 to conduct its review and is expected to submit recommendations before the bill's third reading and final vote.