The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has rejected the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026, urging the National Assembly and the Federal Government to halt further steps towards its enactment. The bill, which aims to regulate foreign aid, has been criticized for its potential to adversely affect churches, mosques, schools, and humanitarian organizations providing assistance to vulnerable communities. The CBCN expressed concerns over the bill's provisions, which could empower authorities to deny registration or refuse renewal of licenses to organizations deemed not to be "in the national interest".
The CBCN's position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of their Second Plenary Meeting for 2026, held from September 10 to 18 at the Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre in Osogbo, Osun State. The communiqué, signed by Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso and Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, was read in Catholic parishes across the country during Sunday Masses. The bishops argued that some provisions of the bill, although aimed at promoting transparency, could have far-reaching consequences for organizations providing essential humanitarian and social services.
The CBCN particularly faulted provisions that could confer broad and undue discretionary powers on government officials, allowing them to deny registration or refuse renewals if an organization's work is deemed "not in the national interest". The bishops stated that this could create an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy, duplicate existing regulatory frameworks, and give the government excessive control over independent civic organizations. They noted that non-profit organizations, including churches and mosques, are already regulated by the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
The position of the Catholic bishops comes amid wider opposition from civil society and human rights organizations to the proposed legislation. Human Rights Watch had in August urged the National Assembly to reject the bill, arguing that some provisions could give government authorities excessive influence over the funding and activities of independent organizations. The bill, identified as SB.1034, was introduced in the Senate in May 2026 and had passed its first and second readings before being referred for further legislative consideration.
The CBCN also expressed concern over the use of technology and artificial intelligence, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. While describing technology as a "profoundly human reality", the CBCN said its use must be guided by ethical considerations and responsibility. The bishops urged politicians and other users of technology to exercise caution and responsibility in deploying artificial intelligence.
On the 2027 general elections, the CBCN called on all stakeholders to work towards free, fair, and credible elections. The bishops urged eligible voters to participate in the elections and vote for candidates they considered qualified and in accordance with their consciences. They also directed dioceses and parishes across the country to embark on civic education and mobilisation ahead of the polls.
The CBCN concluded by calling for renewed politics centred on moral principles, the protection of human life and dignity, and the pursuit of the common good. They acknowledged the challenges confronting Nigeria but said the situation was not without hope. The bishops urged political office holders to uphold the dignity of citizens and work towards a peaceful and productive society, while assuring Nigerians of their continued prayers for the country.
Key points
- Catholic bishops in Nigeria reject proposed foreign aid bill over concerns of government control and impact on humanitarian organizations.
- Bishops express concerns over use of technology and artificial intelligence ahead of 2027 general elections.
- CBCN calls for free, fair, and credible elections, and urges Nigerians to participate in civic education and mobilisation.
