The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has opposed the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026, warning that the proposed legislation could undermine religious freedom and humanitarian activities in Nigeria.
Drivetvnews gathered that the bishops made their position known in a communiqué issued at the end of their Second Plenary Meeting held from September 10 to 18, 2026, at Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, Osun State.
The bill, which has passed its first and second readings in the National Assembly, seeks to regulate foreign aid resources by requiring registration and government oversight of their use.
It also gives authorities powers to reject registration or refuse renewal where an organisation’s activities are considered not to be in the national interest.
The CBCN argued that such provisions could negatively affect churches, mosques, schools and humanitarian organisations providing assistance to vulnerable and conflict-affected communities.
The bishops said non-profit organisations, Incorporated Trustees and religious bodies are already subject to regulation by the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act and other existing laws.
They therefore described the proposed legislation as an additional layer of bureaucracy and urged the National Assembly and Federal Government to halt the process of turning the bill into law.
The bishops said this was necessary to protect freedom of association, religion, thought and conscience, as well as the broader development of Nigerians.
On the 2027 general elections, the CBCN urged political actors and other stakeholders to work towards free, fair and credible polls.
The bishops encouraged eligible Nigerians to participate in the elections and vote according to their consciences.
They announced plans for dioceses and parishes across the country to conduct civic education and voter mobilisation, alongside end-of-month fasting, prayers and Rosary processions from October to December 2026.
The Conference also declared December 8, 2026, a special national day of prayer and fasting for the success of the elections.
It disclosed that a pastoral letter on the forthcoming elections had been issued and urged Nigerians to study and follow its guidelines.
The bishops also called for a renewed approach to politics centred on moral values, protection of human life and dignity, and the pursuit of the common good.
On human dignity, the CBCN condemned sexual and other forms of violence and abuse, stressing the need for the Church and society to protect vulnerable people and respond responsibly to cases of abuse.
The bishops also addressed the growing use of technology and artificial intelligence, saying technology should be deployed responsibly and ethically, particularly during the election period.
They noted that technology was not inherently harmful but argued that its use required responsible decision-making and ethical considerations.
The Conference also expressed appreciation for the success of its Ad limina Apostolorum visit to Rome from March 1 to 16, 2026.
The bishops congratulated Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos on his appointment to the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches.
They also expressed condolences to the Abakaliki Diocese following the death of Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu on April 10, 2026, and to the Archdiocese of Benin City over the death of Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze on July 9, 2026.
The CBCN congratulated Most Rev. Ernest Obodo and Most Rev. Donatus Ogun on their appointments as Apostolic Administrators of Abakaliki Diocese and Benin City Archdiocese respectively.
The communiqué, which was read in Catholic parishes across Nigeria on Sunday, was signed by CBCN President Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna and Secretary Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta.
The bishops concluded by praying for peace, prosperity and responsible living among Nigerians, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Consolation and Hope and Patroness of Nigeria.
