SERAP and NGE Oppose Foreign Aid Bill, Threaten Legal Action

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have formally requested Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to reject the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034). In a joint open letter dated August 29, 2026, they described the bill as an unnecessary and potentially dangerous expansion of government control over civic organizations and independent institutions.

Sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), the bill proposes mandatory registration and reporting requirements for entities receiving foreign assistance. SERAP and NGE argue that the proposed Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC) would have excessive powers, including the ability to inspect records, conduct audits, and impose sanctions, which could hinder the operations of civil society organizations.

They questioned the need for another regulatory body, citing existing agencies like the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that already oversee similar functions.