Group Rejects Bill By National Assembly, Demands Broader Consultation.
By Ferdinand Olise
The Movement For The Transformation Of Nigeria, MOTION, has rejected the totality the proposed NGO Regulation Bill before the National Assembly.
The Organisation called for the withdrawal of the bill, and urged lawmakers to pursue reforms that strengthen, rather than constrain Nigeria’s civic space.
In a statement signed by the Convener, Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria
Hauwa Mustapha, and the Co-Conveners, Christopher Isiguzo, and Blessing Alims, the Organisation said that Nigeria’s democracy thrives when citizens are free to organise, associate, and contribute to national development.
They highlighted that Civil Society Organisations have played a vital role in delivering humanitarian assistance, improving education and healthcare, promoting climate action, supporting women and youth, responding to disasters, defending human rights, strengthening electoral integrity, and advancing accountability and good governance.
“The proposed Bill risks eroding the independence that enables civil society to effectively serve the Nigerian people. Any law that creates unnecessary barriers to the registration, governance, funding, or legitimate advocacy activities of NGOs could discourage citizen participation, weaken public accountability, and undermine democratic governance.
“The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), Sections 39 and 40, guarantee freedom of expression and association. Nigeria is also bound by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
They therefore called on the National Assembly to conduct broad, transparent consultations with civil society, development partners, and citizens, protect Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of association, expression, and assembly.
The Organisation also called for the promotion of an enabling environment for civil society to operate freely and responsibly, and to focus on strengthening existing regulatory frameworks.
The Organisation added that, a vibrant civil society is a cornerstone of democracy and accountable governance.
