We, the undersigned citizens of Nigeria, civil society organisations, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations, development partners, youth groups, women-led organisations, persons with disabilities, and concerned members of the public, respectfully call on the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Assembly to reject any proposed NGO Regulation Bill or similar legislation that seeks to impose unnecessary restrictions on the establishment, registration, funding, governance, advocacy, or operations of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Nigeria.

Civil society is one of the pillars of every democratic society. Across Nigeria, CSOs work alongside government and communities to provide humanitarian assistance, improve access to healthcare and education, support economic empowerment, promote peace and security, protect human rights, advance climate action, strengthen electoral participation, respond to emergencies, and amplify the voices of vulnerable and marginalised people. Their contributions complement government efforts and strengthen democratic governance.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), guarantees the rights to freedom of association, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly. Nigeria is also a State Party to regional and international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which protect the right of citizens to organise, participate in public affairs, and associate freely.

Any legislation that grants excessive government control over civil society organisations, restricts their independence, limits access to lawful funding, or creates burdensome registration and reporting requirements risks undermining these constitutional guarantees and Nigeria’s democratic development. Such measures could weaken humanitarian interventions, discourage civic participation, reduce support from development partners, and diminish public trust in democratic institutions.

We recognise the importance of transparency, accountability, and compliance with existing Nigerian laws. Civil society organisations should continue to comply with applicable financial, taxation, anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and labour regulations. However, regulation must be fair, proportionate, transparent, non-discriminatory, and aimed at strengthening accountability without restricting legitimate civic action.

We therefore respectfully call on the Government of Nigeria and the National Assembly to:

1. Reject the proposed NGO Regulation Bill and any similar legislation that undermines the independence and legitimate operations of Civil Society Organisations.
2. Uphold the constitutional rights to freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
3. Protect civic space by ensuring that civil society organisations can operate independently, safely, and without undue political interference or administrative restrictions.
4. Ensure that any future reforms affecting civil society are developed through broad, inclusive, transparent, and meaningful consultations with CSOs, community organisations, professional bodies, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
5. Promote an enabling legal and policy environment that encourages collaboration between government and civil society in achieving Nigeria’s national development priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063, and other national commitments.
6. Recognise civil society organisations as strategic partners in promoting good governance, accountability, social inclusion, humanitarian response, peacebuilding, environmental sustainability, and sustainable national development.

Nigeria’s democracy thrives when citizens are free to organise, participate, advocate, and hold institutions accountable. An independent and vibrant civil society is not a threat to government but an essential partner in building a peaceful, prosperous, transparent, and inclusive nation.

We therefore  urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Assembly to reject the proposed NGO Regulation Bill and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values, constitutional freedoms, and an enabling environment for civil society.

Together, let us protect civic space, defend our constitutional freedoms, and preserve the democratic future of Nigeria.