The Network of Adamawa Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) has called on the National Assembly to withdraw the Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, warning that it could hamper humanitarian operations and shrink civic space.
NANGO Chairman, Mr Peter Egwudah, made the call on Friday in Yola at a press briefing to mark the 2026 World Humanitarian Day.
Egwudah expressed concern that the proposed legislation and other related bills could undermine the independence and operational capacity of civil society organisations and humanitarian groups.
We urge the National Assembly leadership and members to withdraw or discontinue consideration of the Foreign Aid Regulation Bill and related CSO/NGO regulatory bills.
“The proposed measures could create bureaucratic obstacles, duplicate existing regulatory frameworks and weaken the operational capacity of humanitarian organizations,” he said.
According to him, the proposed provisions could affect organizations that provide essential humanitarian, health, education, development, and protection services to vulnerable populations.
Egwudah said humanitarian needs remained critical in conflict- and crisis-affected communities, where civil society organizations continued to provide emergency assistance and support.
He noted that local and national organizations were often among the first responders during crises and remained in affected communities long after others had left.
The NANGO chairman urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to protect humanitarian workers and civilians by ensuring safe, rapid and unhindered access to communities in need.
He also called for an end to impunity for the killing and abduction of aid workers and other citizens, in line with international humanitarian law.
Egwudah appealed to donors, United Nations agencies and international partners to strengthen localization by increasing direct, flexible and quality funding for local organizations.
He urged development partners to invest in capacity building, leadership development and equitable partnerships that transfer knowledge, expertise and decision-making responsibilities to national actors.
The chairman also called for genuine and inclusive consultations with civil society organizations and affected communities to ensure that humanitarian interventions address local needs and achieve sustainable results.
He said that protecting humanitarian workers and empowering local communities was a shared responsibility among governments, donors, UN agencies, international and national NGOs, and the communities themselves.
“The time for concern is over; now is the time for consequence and decisive action,” Egwudah said.
He said the 2026 World Humanitarian Day theme, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities,” underscored the importance of protecting aid workers and strengthening the capacity of communities to respond to crises.
Egwudah paid tribute to humanitarian and aid workers who risk their lives daily to provide critical assistance to people affected by conflicts, disasters and other emergencies.
He also honoured those who had lost their lives while carrying out humanitarian duties and expressed solidarity with their families and affected communities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Humanitarian Day is observed globally on Aug. 19 to honour humanitarian workers and promote their safety and protection.
