Human rights lawyer and activist Professor Chidi Odinkalu has described the NGO Regulation Bill before the National Assembly as the most dangerous piece of legislation proposed in Nigeria since the return to democracy in 1999.
The bill has already passed first and second readings in the House of Representatives and is now before the House Committee on NGOs, which is due to hold a public hearing in Abuja later this month.
Speaking in the capital on Thursday, Odinkalu said the proposed law would place almost every non-governmental activity under federal control, with far-reaching consequences for civil liberties. He warned that its scope would extend to churches, mosques, schools, universities, hospitals and humanitarian organisations operating across the country.
“It covers every entity and everybody that is not government,” he said. “The consequences are totalitarian.”
Odinkalu raised particular concern over provisions that would require funds raised by individuals and groups for community support to receive clearance from authorities in Abuja. Under the proposed framework, fundraising and the subsequent use of such money would be subject to federal approval and oversight.
He argued that even informal community savings schemes, known as Isusu, as well as religious collections, would fall under the new rules. Organisations would need to obtain licences from the Federal Government, renewable every two years. Operating without a valid licence could attract an 18-month jail term or a N500,000 fine.
The lawyer further cautioned that the bill could undermine freedom of expression and weaken citizens’ ability to hold government accountable, creating an environment in which criticism becomes difficult.
Describing the legislation as “the most dangerous we have seen in 20 years,” Odinkalu urged Nigerians to oppose it through public engagement, insisting that it need not become law if citizens speak out.
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