The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to stop moves to pass the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026.
The bishops said the proposed legislation could create difficulties for churches, mosques, schools and humanitarian organisations that rely on foreign assistance to support vulnerable people and communities affected by conflict.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after the conference’s second plenary meeting of 2026, held between September 10 and 18 at the Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre in Ede, Osun State.
The communiqué, signed by the CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna, and the Secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta, was dated September 19 and read during Masses in Catholic parishes across the country on Sunday.
While acknowledging that provisions requiring organisations to register foreign aid and account for its use could promote transparency, the bishops raised concerns about the level of government control proposed under the bill.
They particularly objected to provisions that could allow authorities to reject an organisation’s registration or renewal if its activities were considered not to be in the “national interest.”
According to the bishops, such provisions could give government officials excessive discretion over the operations of independent organisations.
The CBCN also warned that the bill could increase bureaucracy and overlap with existing regulatory requirements. It noted that non-profit organisations and incorporated trustees, including religious and humanitarian groups, are already subject to regulation by the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act and other relevant laws.
The bishops therefore appealed to lawmakers and the Federal Government to discontinue the legislative process, citing concerns about freedom of association, religion, thought and conscience.
The proposed legislation, identified as SB.1034, was introduced in the Senate in May 2026 and has passed its first and second readings before being referred for further consideration.
The CBCN’s position comes amid concerns raised by other civil society and human rights groups over aspects of the bill. Human Rights Watch had also called on the National Assembly to reject the legislation, arguing that while accountability in foreign aid is important, some provisions could give authorities excessive influence over independent organisations.
Beyond the proposed aid legislation, the bishops also addressed the use of technology and artificial intelligence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
They urged politicians and other users of AI to apply the technology responsibly and ensure that its use contributes to knowledge, development and the public good.
On the 2027 elections, the bishops called on political stakeholders to support free, fair and credible polls. They also encouraged eligible Nigerians to participate in the elections and vote according to their consciences.
The conference directed dioceses and parishes to organise civic education and mobilisation programmes ahead of the elections. It also announced plans for fasting and Rosary processions from October to December 2026, with December 8 designated as a national day of prayer and fasting for the success of the elections.
The bishops further urged Nigerians to study their pastoral letter on the elections and follow its guidance.
The conference called for greater emphasis on moral values, human dignity and the common good in Nigerian politics, while urging political leaders to work towards a peaceful and productive society.
