RismadarVoice Reporters
September 20, 2026
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has rejected the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026, warning that the legislation could give government officials excessive powers over churches, mosques, schools and humanitarian organisations receiving foreign assistance.
The bishops urged the National Assembly and Federal Government to discontinue further action on the bill, arguing that some of its provisions could threaten freedom of association, religion, thought and conscience.
Their position was contained in a communiqué issued after the CBCN’s Second Plenary Meeting for 2026, held from September 10 to 18 at the Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre, Ede, Osun State. The communiqué was signed by CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, and Secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo.
BISHOPS FAULT BROAD POWERS
While acknowledging the stated objective of improving transparency and accountability in foreign assistance, the bishops expressed concern over provisions requiring registration of foreign aid and government supervision of its use.
They particularly objected to provisions that could allow authorities to deny registration or renewal where an organisation’s activities are considered not to be in the national interest.
According to the CBCN, such provisions could give public officials broad discretionary powers and create an additional layer of bureaucracy for organisations already operating under existing Nigerian laws.
The bishops maintained that non-profit organisations and incorporated trustees, including religious and humanitarian bodies, are already regulated by the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act and other applicable laws.
They warned that additional regulation could affect organisations delivering healthcare, education, humanitarian relief and other assistance, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities.
SENATE SAYS BILL TARGETS ACCOUNTABILITY
The proposed legislation, identified as SB.1034, is sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe North and has passed second reading in the Senate.
Supporters say it is intended to improve coordination, transparency and accountability in the management of foreign aid, grants, donations and humanitarian assistance entering Nigeria.
Among its provisions are mandatory registration of foreign aid, creation of a national database, disclosure requirements and closer coordination of donor-funded projects with national development priorities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has argued that greater scrutiny of foreign assistance and organisations receiving donor funds is necessary to strengthen accountability.
Civil society organisations have, however, also raised concerns that some provisions could give authorities excessive influence over independently funded organisations.
BISHOPS RAISE AI, 2027 ELECTION CONCERNS
The CBCN also addressed the growing use of artificial intelligence and other technologies ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The bishops called for responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies, particularly by politicians and other actors involved in the electoral process.
They urged stakeholders to work towards free, fair and credible elections and encouraged eligible Nigerians to participate and vote according to their consciences.
Dioceses and parishes were also directed to intensify civic education and mobilisation ahead of the elections, while December 8, 2026, was declared a national day of prayer and fasting for the success of the polls.
The bishops said Nigeria continued to face major challenges but maintained that the country’s difficulties were not beyond resolution, calling for political leadership centred on human dignity, accountability and the common good.
