Human Rights Watch warns Nigeria foreign aid bill endangers civil society groups and independent media
Human Rights Watch has criticized a proposed Nigerian bill that would require foreign-funded organizations to register with a government commission. Critics argue the legislation is a pretext for state censorship and undue control over civil society and independent media.
Why it matters
The bill represents a significant potential shift in how international aid and civil society operate in Nigeria, raising concerns about democratic freedoms and government overreach.
Human Rights Watch reported Monday that the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill (FA Bill) proposed by Nigerian Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo would allow the government to unduly regulate and influence the goals and activities of independent organizations, threatening freedom of expression rights in the country.
The Bill aims to “promote alignment of foreign aid with national development priorities” and “enhance public access to information on foreign aid,” among other objectives. Under the FA Bill, a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC) would maintain a database of all foreign aid received in Nigeria and evaluate and oversee its utilization to ensure that it complies with the act, which declares that “all foreign aid-funded projects shall align with Nigeria’s national development plans and priorities.”
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