Nigerian Catholic Bishops Demand Scrapping of Foreign Aid Bill

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has strongly rejected the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026, appealing to both the National Assembly and the Federal Government to cease all actions towards its enactment. The bishops issued a warning that this legislation, if passed, could severely undermine the operations of churches, mosques, schools, and various humanitarian organisations actively assisting vulnerable and conflict-affected communities across Nigeria.

This position was formally articulated in a communiqué released at the conclusion of the CBCN’s Second Plenary Meeting for 2026, which convened from September 10 to 18 at the Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre, located in Oke-Gada, Ede, within the Osogbo Diocese of Osun State. The communiqué, dated September 19, was signed by Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna, who serves as the CBCN President, and Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta, the Conference Secretary. The document was subsequently read out during Sunday Masses in Catholic parishes throughout the country.

While acknowledging that certain aspects of the bill, such as requirements for registering foreign aid resources and government oversight of their utilisation, might appear to foster transparency, the bishops cautioned that these provisions could have profound negative consequences for entities delivering vital humanitarian and social services. They specifically criticised clauses that, in their view, could grant authorities the power to deny or refuse the renewal of an organisation’s registration if its activities are deemed not to be “in the national interest.” The CBCN argued that such stipulations could vest excessive and arbitrary discretionary powers in government officials.

“This Bill, which allows authorities to deny registration or refuse renewals if an organisation’s work is deemed ‘not in the national interest’, gives broad, undue discretionary powers to government officials,” the bishops stated. They further warned that the proposed law could introduce an “unnecessary layer of bureaucracy,” duplicate existing regulatory frameworks, and grant the government undue control over independent civic organisations. The bishops highlighted that non-profit organisations and incorporated trustees, including religious bodies like churches and mosques, alongside other humanitarian groups, are already regulated by the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act and other relevant statutes.

Consequently, the bishops urged, “We, therefore, request the National Assembly and the federal government not to proceed with the processes of making this Bill into law in the interest of fundamental rights of association and freedom of religion, thought and conscience, and the overall development of our people and nation.” The Catholic bishops’ stance aligns with broader opposition from civil society and human rights organisations. Human Rights Watch had, in August, called on the National Assembly to reject the bill, reasoning that while transparency and accountability in foreign aid are valid goals, specific provisions could afford government authorities excessive influence over the funding and operations of independent organisations.

The bill, designated as SB.1034, was introduced in the Senate in May 2026 and had successfully passed its first and second readings before being referred for further legislative review. Beyond the foreign aid bill, the bishops also raised concerns regarding the application of technology and artificial intelligence, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. While recognising technology as a “profoundly human reality,” the CBCN emphasised that its deployment must be guided by ethical considerations and a sense of responsibility. The bishops admonished politicians and other technology users to exercise prudence and accountability when deploying artificial intelligence.

They also called upon Nigerians to ensure that technology is utilised to convert data into valuable knowledge and insights that foster greater societal value and development. Concerning the upcoming 2027 general elections, the CBCN appealed to all stakeholders to collaborate towards achieving free, fair, and credible polls. The bishops encouraged eligible voters to actively participate in the elections and cast their votes for candidates they deem qualified, in alignment with their consciences. Furthermore, they instructed dioceses and parishes nationwide to initiate civic education and mobilisation efforts ahead of the elections, coupled with end-of-month fasting and Rosary processions from October to December 2026.

The bishops designated December 8, 2026, as a special national day of prayer and fasting specifically for the successful conduct of the elections. The Conference also advised Nigerians to diligently study its pastoral letter concerning the forthcoming elections and adhere to its guidelines and provisions. In the concluding part of the communiqué, the bishops advocated for a revitalised political landscape rooted in moral principles, the unwavering protection of human life and dignity, and the pursuit of...