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The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafsanjani, has alleged that the National Assembly is pushing legislative proposals aimed at restricting civil society organisations, the media and digital platforms as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general election.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Rafsanjani warned that the proposed bills could shrink civic space, weaken democratic participation and limit citizens’ ability to demand accountability from public officials.
He argued that some of the measures, including proposals requiring media organisations to establish offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, would impose unnecessary burdens on independent media and hinder the free flow of information.
According to him, civil society organisations have consistently partnered with governments to promote transparency, accountability and good governance, insisting they should not be viewed as adversaries.
“Civil society is not anti-government. We are not politicians and we are not agents of destruction, but rather partners in progress,” he said.
Rafsanjani urged lawmakers to prioritise pressing national concerns such as insecurity, healthcare, education and budget oversight instead of introducing what he described as restrictive legislation.
He maintained that Nigeria already has sufficient legal frameworks regulating issues such as anti-money laundering, terrorism financing, financial reporting and corporate compliance, making the proposed bills largely unnecessary.
The CISLAC director warned that additional regulatory requirements could be used to frustrate legitimate civil society groups by limiting their operations and access to resources.
Responding to claims that tighter controls were needed to prevent foreign interference, Rafsanjani said he was unaware of any registered and compliant civil society organisation involved in activities that threatened national security.
He challenged authorities to publicly identify any organisation found violating the law instead of imposing broad restrictions on the entire civic sector.
Rafsanjani also downplayed concerns over foreign funding, arguing that external support received by civil society organisations represents only a small fraction of government expenditure and should not be used to justify sweeping legislative controls.
He further criticised some lawmakers for sponsoring bills simply to build their legislative records rather than addressing issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
Expressing concern over the legislative process, Rafsanjani warned that the National Assembly could pass the proposed bills without adequately consulting civil society groups, the media and other stakeholders.
He reaffirmed CISLAC’s commitment to constructive engagement with lawmakers, urging the National Assembly to strengthen democratic institutions rather than enact laws that could restrict civic participation and media freedom.
