By Palma Ileye
Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION) has rejected the proposed NGO Regulation Bill before the National Assembly, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s civic space and democratic governance.
In a statement on Monday, signed by Hauwa Mustapha, Convener, Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria, Christopher Isiguzo, Co-Convener, Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria and Blessing Alims, Co-Convener, Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria, the group called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill, urging lawmakers to pursue reforms that strengthen rather than restrict the operations of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
MOTION said CSOs have, over the years, played a critical role in humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, climate action, women’s and youth empowerment, disaster response, human rights advocacy, electoral integrity, and promoting accountability and good governance.
According to the group, provisions of the proposed legislation could undermine the independence of NGOs by creating unnecessary barriers to their registration, governance, funding, and legitimate advocacy activities.
It argued that such restrictions could discourage citizen participation, weaken public accountability, and ultimately undermine democratic governance.
MOTION maintained that Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and association, adding that Nigeria was also bound by international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The group noted that civil society organisations were already regulated through existing laws, including registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, financial reporting requirements, tax regulations, anti-money laundering provisions, and donor accountability mechanisms.
It stressed that effective enforcement of existing laws, rather than introducing new restrictive legislation, would better address concerns over NGO operations.
MOTION further urged the National Assembly to withdraw the bill, conduct broad consultations with civil society, development partners and citizens, protect constitutional freedoms, promote an enabling environment for NGOs, and strengthen existing regulatory frameworks.
The organisation also called on Nigerians to defend the country’s civic space and support legislative reforms that uphold constitutional rights, protect fundamental freedoms, and promote the public interest.
