HRW Urges National Assembly to Reject Foreign Aid Bill, Warns of Govt Control Over NGOs

THISDAYLIVE | 31-08-2026 08:50pm |

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the National Assembly to reject the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, warning that it could undermine the independence of civil society organisations and shrink civic space in Nigeria. The international human rights organisation stated that the bill contains provisions that could give government authorities undue influence over the funding and activities of independent organisations. The bill, introduced by the Senate in May 2026, seeks to regulate foreign aid, grants, and donations in Nigeria and establish a regulatory commission to oversee foreign aid. HRW expressed concern that the bill's stated objectives of promoting transparency and accountability could be used to control NGOs.

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