…..alleges threat to Churches, Mosques, Humanitarian Groups

Human rights lawyer and activist, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, has described the proposed NGO regulation bill before the National Assembly as “the most dangerous piece of legislation” to come before the legislature since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

Odinkalu, a former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, raised the alarm over the bill in a video message monitored by the Guardian, urging Nigerians to pay close attention to its provisions and potential implications for civic organisations and citizens.

He said the bill had passed first and second readings and was currently at the committee stage, with a public hearing expected to be organised by the relevant committee of the House of Representatives.

According to him, the proposed legislation is broad enough to affect virtually every non-governmental activity, including churches, mosques, schools, universities, hospitals, humanitarian organisations and community-based initiatives across the country.

“It covers the activities of every entity and everybody that is not government,” Odinkalu said, warning that its reach could extend beyond conventional non-governmental organisations to religious, educational, humanitarian and community groups.

He said the bill could have far-reaching consequences for humanitarian operations across the country, including interventions in the Northeast, Southeast, South-South, Middle Belt, Northwest and Southwest.

Odinkalu alleged that the bill would subject fundraising and the management of resources by such organisations to extensive government control, including requirements for clearance and oversight from Abuja.

He particularly expressed concern about religious organisations and informal community savings schemes, arguing that even collections made by churches and mosques to support members could come under the proposed regulatory framework.

“The churches will be out of business. The mosques will be endangered,” he said, stressing that the proposed framework could undermine community-based support systems.

The human rights lawyer further claimed that the bill could require organisations and groups operating in Nigeria to obtain government registration or licences, with such licences allegedly subject to periodic renewal.

He said the proposed requirement could affect a wide range of groups, including student organisations, old students’ associations, religious bodies and other community-based organisations.

According to Odinkalu, “Everybody organising in Nigeria under any form” could be required to seek approval from Abuja before being allowed to operate.

He also warned that the proposed regulatory framework could have implications for freedom of expression and civic participation, particularly if organisations perceived as critical of government could be denied registration or renewal.

“If they agree to register you, however, you will have

to only hold that licence for two years,” he said, adding that organisations could face uncertainty over renewal after the expiration of their licences.

Odinkalu further alleged that operating without the required licence could attract imprisonment or financial penalties, which he said could create opportunities for abuse of regulatory powers.

He therefore urged Nigerians to engage their elected representatives and senators and make their views known before the bill proceeds further.

“This does not have to be law if you agree as a citizen you are the boss,” Odinkalu said, urging citizens to contact their lawmakers and demand that the proposed legislation be subjected to careful scrutiny. This is your country too, not only for your children but for your grandchildren,” he added.