SERAP, Editors Threaten Court Action Over Foreign Aid Bill

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have threatened legal action if the National Assembly passes the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026.

The two groups asked Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reject and withdraw the bill, arguing that it would threaten civic space, media freedom and the work of non-governmental organisations.

Punch reported that the groups described the proposed law, listed as SB.1034, as unnecessary and unconstitutional. Vanguard’s RSS body reported the same demand and said SERAP and the NGE called the bill an assault on civic space and media freedom.

The bill has drawn concern because it seeks tighter regulation and disclosure requirements for foreign aid received by civil society groups and other organisations. SERAP and the editors’ body said the National Assembly should not pass a law that could be used to restrict lawful civic activity.

The reports did not include a fresh response from the Senate President, the Speaker or other National Assembly officials.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard