By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Network of Adamawa Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) has raised concerns that the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, could undermine humanitarian operations and shrink civic space in Nigeria.
The organisation therefore called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to withdraw the proposed legislation and strengthen measures protecting humanitarian workers and ensuring unhindered access to communities affected by conflict and other crises.
NANGO made the call in a communiqué issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, in Jimeta, Adamawa State, to mark World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19.
The communiqué was signed by NANGO Chairman, Peter Michael Egwudah, and Secretary, Ibrahim Bello.
The organisation paid tribute to humanitarian and aid workers who risk their lives to provide life-saving assistance to people affected by conflicts and other emergencies. It also commiserated with the families and communities of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
According to NANGO, this year’s observance underscores the urgent need to protect humanitarian workers and civilians, guarantee safe and unhindered humanitarian access, uphold international humanitarian law and strengthen localisation by transferring greater resources, leadership and decision-making powers to local and national organisations.
NANGO noted that humanitarian needs remain critical in conflict-affected and crisis-hit parts of Nigeria, where civil society organisations and humanitarian agencies continue to provide emergency relief, support recovery, promote accountability and protect vulnerable populations.
It stressed that local and national organisations are often the first responders and among the last to leave crisis-affected communities, making their empowerment crucial to effective and sustainable humanitarian action.
However, the organisation expressed concern that the Foreign Aid Bill and other related legislative proposals before the National Assembly could introduce additional bureaucratic hurdles, delay emergency responses, duplicate existing regulatory frameworks and weaken the independence and operational capacity of humanitarian organisations.
It warned that the proposed measures could further constrain organisations delivering humanitarian, health, education, development and protection services, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach communities.
NANGO urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers and civilians by ensuring rapid and unhindered access to affected communities.
It also called for decisive action to address the killing and abduction of aid workers and other citizens caught up in the country’s security challenges.
The organisation further appealed to donors, United Nations agencies and international partners to deepen localisation by providing more direct, flexible and quality funding to local and national organisations.
“Protecting those who serve others and empowering local communities are shared responsibilities of government, donors, UN agencies, international and national NGOs, and communities,” NANGO said.
It urged stakeholders to move beyond expressions of concern and take concrete steps to protect humanitarian workers, strengthen local leadership and safeguard civic space across Nigeria.p
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