SERAP and NGE Threaten Lawsuit Over Foreign Aid Bill

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have issued a threat of legal action against the National Assembly regarding the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026. In a joint open letter dated August 29, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and NGE General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, they urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reject the bill, labeling it unnecessary, unlawful, and unconstitutional.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), proposes mandatory registration and disclosure requirements for civil society organizations and private entities receiving foreign assistance, with penalties including fines of at least N20 million. SERAP and NGE argue that the bill threatens civic space, media freedom, and democratic participation, and could severely impact independent journalism and civil society organizations reliant on foreign grants.

They warned of potential legal action should the bill be enacted.