A coalition of more than 80 Nigerian, African and international civil society and human rights organisations on Monday called on the National Assembly to immediately withdraw a series of proposed bills they say pose a serious threat to constitutional freedoms, civic space and democratic governance in Nigeria.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja, the groups argued that the legislative proposals would expand executive control over civil society, restrict freedom of expression and association, and weaken democratic accountability at a critical period ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition expressed concern over what it described as an increasing wave of restrictive legislative initiatives, warning that the bills, if passed into law, would significantly erode citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, media freedom, access to information and democratic participation.
According to the organisations, Nigeria’s civic space is already experiencing one of its most significant periods of decline since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999, with journalists, bloggers, media organisations, civil society groups and human rights defenders allegedly facing arbitrary arrests, intimidation, politically motivated prosecutions and judicial harassment.
A major focus of the coalition’s concern is the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034), which seeks to establish a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission empowered to register, monitor, inspect, sanction and potentially suspend organisations receiving foreign assistance.
The coalition argued that the proposed commission would duplicate the responsibilities of existing regulatory agencies while creating excessive government oversight that could undermine the operational independence of civil society organisations.
The organisations also criticised proposals seeking to compel social media companies to establish physical offices in Nigeria or face restrictions on operating within the country. They warned that such measures could strengthen government control over digital platforms, limit access to information, and reduce opportunities for civic engagement.
The coalition further maintained that the proposed legislation conflicts with the guarantees of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association contained in the Nigerian Constitution, as well as the country’s obligations under regional and international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Speaking at the press conference, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), urged lawmakers to reject any legislation capable of undermining civic freedoms and democratic participation.
Also speaking, Dr. Dauda Garuba, Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), stressed the need to safeguard democratic institutions by ensuring legislative reforms remain consistent with constitutional principles and international human rights standards
Olubunmi Aweda, Country Manager of Global Rights Nigeria, called on legislators to protect civic space and uphold citizens’ fundamental rights, while Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, cautioned against policies that could further shrink civic space and restrict freedom of expression and association.
The coalition warned that introducing such legislation ahead of the 2027 general elections could foster fear, encourage self-censorship, and reduce tolerance for dissent, ultimately weakening democratic accountability.
It therefore urged the leadership and members of the National Assembly to withdraw the Foreign Aids Bill, the proposed social media regulation bill, and any other legislation deemed to unjustifiably restrict civic space. The groups also called for broader stakeholder consultations and legislation that fully complies with constitutional provisions and international human rights obligations.
The statement was endorsed by more than 80 organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Media Rights Agenda, Policy Alert, SERAP, Yiaga Africa and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), among others.
