The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged the National Assembly and the Federal Government to stop plans to pass the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026.
The bishops warned that some provisions of the proposed law could affect humanitarian activities and restrict fundamental freedoms.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the CBCN’s Second Plenary Meeting, held from September 10 to 18, 2026, at the Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, Osun State. The communiqué was signed by the CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, and the Conference Secretary, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta Diocese.
The bishops expressed particular concern about provisions requiring organisations receiving foreign aid to register their resources and submit to government supervision.
According to them, the proposed requirements could affect churches, mosques, schools and humanitarian organisations that provide assistance to vulnerable people and communities affected by conflict.
They also objected to provisions that could allow authorities to deny registration or refuse to renew an organisation’s registration if its activities are considered not to be in the “national interest.”
The CBCN said such provisions could give government officials broad discretionary powers and create additional bureaucratic requirements for organisations that are already subject to existing regulations.
The bishops argued that non-profit organisations and incorporated trustees, including religious and humanitarian bodies, are already regulated by the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act and other relevant laws.
The Conference therefore called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to discontinue the process of turning the bill into law, citing the need to protect freedom of association, religion, thought and conscience.
Bishops raise concerns over insecurity
The bishops also expressed concern over the security situation in the country, citing kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining and the alleged theft of natural resources.
They said continued attacks had affected peace and national unity, while violence against schools and places of worship had resulted in the abduction and killing of students and worshippers.
The CBCN noted that the displacement of communities had forced millions of Nigerians into Internally Displaced Persons camps. It called on the government to strengthen security and create conditions that would enable displaced people to return to their communities.
The bishops also advocated stronger security forces, improved intelligence gathering and accountability for those responsible for acts of violence.
They urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities, cooperate with security agencies and reject ethnic and religious divisions. They further called for the decentralisation of the police system, saying it should serve the common good rather than personal, ethnic, political or religious interests.
Economic challenges
On the economy, the bishops called on the government to create more jobs, support local businesses and establish an environment that would encourage investment and enterprise.
They also urged the government to introduce policies that would ease the financial pressure on poor Nigerians and ensure transparent investment in public infrastructure.
Among their specific demands were the rehabilitation of major roads, improved electricity supply, access to clean water and the expansion of railway infrastructure across the country.
2027 elections
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the CBCN urged political parties, electoral bodies, security agencies and other stakeholders to work towards free, fair and credible elections.
The bishops encouraged eligible Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process and vote for candidates they consider qualified, according to their consciences.
They directed dioceses and parishes to organise civic education and voter mobilisation activities between October and December 2026. The Conference also announced December 8, 2026, as a national day of prayer and fasting for the success of the elections.
Technology and AI
The bishops also addressed the growing use of technology and artificial intelligence, saying technology should be used responsibly and for the benefit of society.
They encouraged Nigerians to use technology for evangelisation and for turning data into useful knowledge and insights. They also urged politicians and other stakeholders to exercise responsibility and ethical judgment in their use of technology and AI, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.
The Conference also congratulated Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of the Lagos Archdiocese on his appointment to the Dicastery for Evangelisation, Section for First Evangelisation and the New Particular Churches.
The bishops concluded by renewing their call for politics guided by moral principles, respect for human life and dignity, and the pursuit of the common good.
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