Catholic bishops reject foreign aid bill

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The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria 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.

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The bishops warned that the proposed legislation could adversely affect churches, mosques, schools and humanitarian organisations providing assistance to vulnerable and conflict-affected communities across the country.

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The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the CBCN’s Second Plenary Meeting for 2026, held from September 10 to 18 at the Our Lady and St Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, in the Osogbo Diocese of Osun State.

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The communiqué, dated September 19, was signed by the President of the CBCN, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna, and its Secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta. The document was read in Catholic parishes across the country during Sunday Masses.

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The bishops said although some provisions of the bill requiring the registration of foreign aid resources and government supervision of their use might appear aimed at promoting transparency, they could have far-reaching consequences for organisations providing essential humanitarian and social services.

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They particularly faulted provisions which, according to them, could empower authorities to deny registration or refuse renewal where an organisation’s activities were considered not to be “in the national interest.” The CBCN said such provisions could confer broad and undue discretionary powers on government officials.

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The bishops stated, “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.”

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They further warned that the proposed law could create what they described as “an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy,” duplicate existing regulatory frameworks and give the government excessive control over independent civic organisations.

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The bishops argued that non-profit organisations and incorporated trustees, including churches, mosques, other religious bodies and humanitarian organisations, were already regulated by the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act and other applicable laws.

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“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 bishops said.

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The position of the Catholic bishops comes amid wider opposition from civil society and human rights organisations to the proposed legislation.

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Human Rights Watch had in August urged the National Assembly to reject the bill, arguing that although transparency and accountability in foreign aid were legitimate objectives, some provisions could give government authorities excessive influence over the funding and activities of independent organisations.

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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.

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The bishops also expressed concern over the use of technology and artificial intelligence, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

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While describing technology as a “profoundly human reality,” the CBCN said its use must be guided by ethical considerations and responsibility.

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The bishops urged politicians and other users of technology to exercise caution and responsibility in deploying artificial intelligence. They also called on Nigerians to ensure that technology was used to transform data into knowledge and insights that would promote greater value and development.

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On the 2027 general elections, the CBCN called on all stakeholders to work towards free, fair and credible elections.

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The bishops urged eligible voters to participate in the elections and vote for candidates they considered qualified and in accordance with their consciences.

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They also directed dioceses and parishes across the country to embark on civic education and mobilisation ahead of the polls, alongside end-of-month fasting and Rosary processions from October to December 2026. The bishops declared December 8, 2026, as a special national day of prayer and fasting for the success of the elections.

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The Conference also urged Nigerians to study its pastoral letter on the forthcoming elections and follow its provisions and guidelines.

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In the concluding section of the communiqué, the bishops called for what they described as renewed politics centred on moral principles, the protection of human life and dignity, and the pursuit of the common good.

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They acknowledged the challenges confronting Nigeria but said the situation was not without hope. “Nigeria has its challenges in achieving national integration. But all hope is not lost,” the bishops said.

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They 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.

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