Groups Warn National Assembly Against Bills They Say Threaten Democracy
Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A coalition of more than 100 Nigerian, African and international civil society organisations has urged the National Assembly to halt consideration of several proposed bills, warning that the legislation could significantly restrict civic freedoms, weaken democratic participation and expand executive control ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The appeal was contained in a joint petition released Monday in Abuja by the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani.
The coalition argued that the proposed laws threaten constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, media freedom and access to information.
According to the organisations, Nigeria’s civic space has witnessed increasing pressure since 2023, citing legal actions against activists, concerns over the application of the Cybercrimes Act against journalists and critics, and what they described as growing restrictions on civil society activities.
Among the proposals drawing criticism is the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034), which seeks to establish a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission with powers to regulate, audit, sanction and suspend non-governmental organisations receiving foreign assistance.
The coalition argued that the proposed commission would duplicate the oversight responsibilities already performed by agencies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML).
The organisations also opposed a separate proposal requiring major social media companies to establish physical offices in Nigeria, warning that the measure could discourage investment, encourage censorship and restrict citizens’ access to information.
“If enacted, these bills would significantly expand executive control over civic life and further undermine the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, freedom of association, media freedom, access to information, democratic participation and the rule of law,” the petition stated.
The coalition called on the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and other lawmakers to discontinue consideration of the bills and instead undertake broad stakeholder consultations before introducing reforms affecting civil liberties.
It further urged the National Assembly to enact laws that strengthen transparency, accountability, democratic participation and constitutional governance rather than limiting civic engagement.
“We urge the National Assembly to reject these repressive bills in their entirety and instead enact legislation that protects civic space, strengthens transparency and accountability, promotes meaningful public participation, and reinforces the constitutional and democratic values on which Nigeria’s future depends,” the coalition added.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
