Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has raised concerns over the proposed NGO Regulation Bill before the National Assembly.
Odinkalu described the bill as the “most dangerous piece of legislation” to come before the National Assembly since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.The former NHRC chairman spoke in a video on the proposed legislation. He said the bill had passed its first and second readings and was now at the committee stage. A public hearing is also expected from the House of Representatives Committee on NGOs.
Odinkalu warns over NGO bill
Odinkalu urged Nigerians to pay close attention to the proposed law. He warned that its impact could go beyond non-governmental organisations. According to him, the bill could affect religious bodies, schools, humanitarian groups, community associations and other non-state organisations.
“Let me be clear, this is the most dangerous piece of legislation that has come for consideration in the National Assembly since the return to civil rule in 1999,” Odinkalu said.
He alleged that the proposed law would give the Federal Government greater control over organisations operating outside government. Odinkalu also claimed that organisations could need government clearance before raising funds. He said the use of such funds could also face regulatory approval.
The lawyer argued that the proposed framework could affect churches, mosques, schools, universities and hospitals. He also mentioned humanitarian organisations and community-based financial arrangements such as isusu. He further warned that religious organisations could face greater regulation when raising funds to support members of their communities.
“The churches will be out of business. The mosques will be endangered,” he said.
Bill raises freedom concerns
Odinkalu also raised concerns about freedom of association and criticism of government. He argued that organisations could lose their independence if they had to obtain and renew government licences to operate.
According to him, the proposed legislation would require organisations to obtain a licence for two years. They would then have to apply for renewal. He claimed that organisations that failed to obtain or renew their licences could face imprisonment of up to 18 months or a N500,000 fine. Odinkalu warned that the provisions could make organisations afraid to criticise the government. He said they could fear losing their operating licences.
“This means that there’ll be no voice of criticism for government. Nobody can tell government anything,” he said.
The lawyer said the proposed framework could also affect student associations and religious groups. He added that other forms of organised civic activity could face similar restrictions. Odinkalu described the possible consequences as “totalitarian”. He argued that the bill could weaken citizens’ ability to organise independently of government.
“This is the most dangerous piece of legislation that’s been considered in our country to date, in the past 20 years,” he said.
Odinkalu calls for public action
Odinkalu said Nigerians should not see the issue as one concerning only NGOs. He urged citizens to consider the wider effect of legislation that could increase government control over civic organisations. However, he said Nigerians could still stop the bill through public opposition. He urged citizens to engage their lawmakers before the legislative process ends.
“But you can do something about it,” Odinkalu said. “This does not have to be law.”
He said Nigerians could demand that lawmakers reject the proposed legislation. According to him, its passage was not inevitable.
“This will not be law if you agree that as the citizen you have the power to make them stop,” he said.
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