A proposed NGO Regulation Bill would hand government sweeping control over how Nigerian civil society organises, funds itself, and speaks. We’re asking the National Assembly to reject it, and we need your name on the record.
Scroll Down ↓Right now, if a flood hits a community, a CSO can respond that week. If a family can't reach a clinic, an NGO can step in. If government overreaches, civil society can say so, publicly, without asking permission. This petition exists because a proposed law could put a government office between Nigerians and every one of those things.
The 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of association, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly. Those protections are reinforced by the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, domesticated into Nigerian law, and by Nigeria's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Any law that unnecessarily restricts how civil society organisations form, register, raise funds, advocate, or operate puts those commitments at risk.
For decades, CSOs have complemented government by delivering humanitarian assistance, expanding access to education and healthcare, promoting climate justice, supporting women and youth, advancing transparency and accountability, protecting human rights, and amplifying the voices of communities that would otherwise go unheard. They contribute to policy development, election observation, disaster response, public health, and economic empowerment — and they provide independent oversight that strengthens public trust in institutions.
Excessive regulation, discretionary government control, or burdensome administrative requirements discourage civic participation, reduce investment from development partners, and weaken humanitarian response exactly when communities need it most. Nigeria's democratic reputation, and public confidence in governance, is diminished when the space for citizens to organise is narrowed rather than protected.
Civil society organisations should, and do, comply with Nigerian law — financial reporting, taxation, anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and labour standards. What we're rejecting isn't accountability. It's regulation that isn't lawful, proportionate, transparent, or fair — regulation built to suppress civic participation instead of strengthen it.
Reject any legislation or regulatory framework that imposes unnecessary restrictions on the establishment, funding, governance, advocacy, or operations of civil society organisations.
Uphold and protect the constitutional rights to freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ensure any reforms affecting civil society are developed through broad, meaningful, transparent consultation with CSOs, professional bodies, community organisations, and other stakeholders.
Promote an enabling legal and policy environment that encourages partnership between government and civil society in achieving Nigeria's development priorities.
Protect civic space by ensuring regulatory institutions operate independently, fairly, and without political interference.
Recognise civil society organisations as strategic partners in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union's Agenda 2063, and Nigeria's broader development goals.
Nigeria's strength is its citizens. If you agree civil society should stay free to act, add your name above — every signature goes to the President and the National Assembly.