ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian activist Mahdi Shehu has warned that a proposed bill regulating non-governmental organisations could affect religious institutions, schools, unions and community associations.
Shehu outlined his objections in a Hausa-language video translated into English by PRNigeria.
He said the legislation before the National Assembly could impose registration, financial reporting and government oversight requirements on organisations beyond formally registered non-governmental groups.
His account of the bill’s provisions could not be independently verified.
As of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the National Assembly had not publicly responded to his specific assertions about the proposal.
“If this bill becomes law, it will affect almost every group we know. I’m talking about mosques, churches, schools, student unions, drivers’ unions, market associations, even small groups like adashe (rotational savings groups),” Shehu said.
Claims About Religious Donations
Shehu said the legislation could require mosques, churches, and other religious organisations to secure government approval before collecting donations or contributions from their members.
He also claimed that affected organisations could be required to disclose the money they received and submit to regulatory supervision over its use.
“For example, a mosque or church won’t just be able to take weekly contributions like we normally do. They will have to write to the government for approval. After collecting the money, they will also have to report how much came in, and the government will decide what the money should be used for,” he alleged.
PRNigeria did not independently confirm that the proposed legislation contains those requirements.
Shehu further said organisations covered by the proposal could be required to renew their registration every two years.
He claimed they might also have to notify the government before purchasing property or other significant assets.
Possible Reach Beyond Registered Organisations
The activist said the bill’s definitions might allow its provisions to be applied to cooperative societies, market organisations, transport unions and informal savings groups.
He also claimed that online communities on platforms including WhatsApp and Facebook could come under the legislation, depending on how a regulated organisation was defined.
“Honestly, I haven’t seen anything like this since colonial times. What is even more worrying is that it could also cover radio, television, and even WhatsApp and Facebook groups,” Shehu said.
He urged Nigerians to examine the proposal and participate in the legislative process. Drawing a comparison with the public debate surrounding Nigeria’s tax reform legislation, Shehu said insufficient public engagement had allowed important changes to proceed without adequate examination.
“I think we need to pay attention to this now. We didn’t speak up enough on the Tax Bill. If we let this one pass, it will affect the way we organise and speak as citizens,” he cautioned.
Proposals to regulate non-governmental organisations have previously drawn objections from civil society groups concerned about government oversight and organisational independence.
The National Assembly had not issued a statement addressing Shehu’s interpretation of the bill when the report was filed.
