The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to halt moves to enact the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026.

The bishops warned that some provisions of the proposed legislation could negatively affect humanitarian activities and restrict the civic space available to organisations providing assistance to vulnerable and conflict-affected communities.

The CBCN made its position known in a communiqué issued at the end of its Second Plenary Meeting for 2026, held at the Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, Osun State, from September 10 to 18. The communiqué was signed by the conference president, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, and its secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta.

The bishops said the bill, which has passed first and second readings in the National Assembly, contains provisions requiring the registration of foreign aid resources and government supervision of their use. They expressed concern that such requirements could adversely affect churches, mosques, schools and humanitarian organisations involved in providing aid.

They particularly objected to a provision that could allow authorities to deny registration or refuse renewal where an organisation’s activities are considered “not in the national interest”.

According to the bishops, the provision could confer broad discretionary powers on government officials and create additional bureaucracy for non-profit organisations already subject to existing regulations.

“This Bill, which allows authorities to deny registration or refuse renewals if an organization’s work is deemed ‘not in the national interest’, gives broad, undue discretionary powers to government officials,” the communiqué stated.

The CBCN further argued that the proposed legislation could duplicate existing regulatory requirements and give government excessive control over independent civic organisations.

“Again, the Bill risks creating an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy, duplicating existing laws, and granting excessive government control that could stifle independent civic space,” the bishops said.

They noted that non-profit organisations and Incorporated Trustees, including churches, mosques and other religious and humanitarian bodies, are already regulated by the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act and other applicable laws.

The bishops therefore urged the government and lawmakers to reconsider the proposed legislation, particularly its potential implications for humanitarian organisations and other groups receiving foreign assistance.

The position comes as the Senate continues its consideration of the proposed framework, which its sponsors say is intended to improve regulation, coordination, transparency and accountability in the receipt and use of foreign aid in Nigeria.

The bishops also expressed concern in their communiqué over insecurity, poverty, poor infrastructure and governance challenges in the country.