By Stella Odueme
The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION) has called on the National Assembly to immediately withdraw the proposed Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Regulation Bill, warning that the legislation could undermine civic freedoms and weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In a statement jointly signed by Hauwa Mustapha, Convener of MOTION, Christopher Isiguzo, Co-Convener, and Blessing Alims, the group said it rejected the bill in its entirety, arguing that any reform affecting civil society should strengthen, rather than constrain, the operations of non-governmental organisations.
MOTION noted that civil society organisations have, over the years, played vital roles in humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, climate action, disaster response, human rights advocacy, electoral integrity, women and youth empowerment, as well as the promotion of transparency, accountability and good governance.
According to the group, the proposed legislation could erode the independence of civil society organisations by creating unnecessary restrictions on their registration, governance, funding and advocacy activities.
It warned that such measures could discourage citizen participation, weaken public accountability and undermine democratic governance.
The organisation maintained that Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and association.
It added that Nigeria is also bound by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
MOTION further argued that NGOs are already subject to existing regulatory mechanisms, including registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), financial reporting requirements, tax laws, anti-money laundering regulations and donor accountability obligations. It said effective enforcement of existing laws, rather than the introduction of new restrictive legislation, is the appropriate solution.
The group stressed that, at a time when Nigeria faces significant development challenges, government should strengthen partnerships with civil society instead of introducing measures that could discourage philanthropy, volunteerism and community-driven initiatives.
It called on the National Assembly to withdraw the proposed NGO Regulation Bill, conduct broad and transparent consultations with civil society organisations, development partners and citizens, protect constitutional guarantees of freedom of association, expression and assembly, promote an enabling environment for civil society to operate freely and responsibly, and strengthen existing regulatory frameworks.
According to MOTION, a vibrant civil society is essential to democracy, accountability and national development.
It also urged Nigerians to defend the country’s civic space and ensure that legislative reforms uphold the Constitution, protect fundamental freedoms and advance the public interest.
