SB 1034: Who Controls Nigeria’s Foreign Aid — And Who Benefits?

Nigeria is having an important conversation about who should control, regulate and account for foreign aid, grants and donations entering the country. At the centre of the debate is SB 1034, a proposed Senate bill that could significantly change how foreign funding is received, managed and reported by NGOs, civil society organisations, development partners and other institutions. Supporters may see stronger regulation as a pathway to greater transparency, accountability and protection of Nigeria’s national interests. Critics, however, may ask whether increased regulation could create unnecessary barriers for legitimate civil society organisations, humanitarian programmes and development initiatives. So, what exactly does SB 1034 propose? Who will have greater control if it becomes law? Who benefits—and who could be affected? And what safeguards are needed to ensure that accountability does not come at the expense of civic space and public-interest work? In this  Difficult Conversation Africa episode with Oyebisi Babatunde, Oluseyi a frontline NGO leader in Nigeria, we unpack the politics, policy, money and public-interest questions surrounding SB 1034—moving beyond the headlines to examine what is really at stake for Nigeria. Who Should Listen? This episode is especially relevant to: -NGOs and civil society organisations receiving international funding -Development partners and international donors working in Nigeria Government officials and policymakers -Journalists and media professionals covering governance, development and public policy -Human rights and advocacy organisations -Researchers, academics and students interested in governance and international development -Business and philanthropic organisations involved in grants and social investment -Nigerians interested in how public-interest funding is regulated -Anyone interested in the relationship between foreign assistance, sovereignty, accountability and civic space What Will Listeners Gain? By the end of the conversation, listeners should have a clearer understanding of:

1. What SB 1034 is about A straightforward explanation of the proposed legislation and the problem it seeks to address.
2. Why the bill matters How changes to foreign-funding regulation could affect NGOs, civil society, donors and development programmes.
3. The arguments on both sides Why proponents argue for stronger oversight—and why others may be concerned about excessive regulation.
4. Who could gain or lose An examination of the potential implications for government, NGOs, donors, beneficiaries and Nigerian citizens.
5. The accountability question How Nigeria can strengthen transparency around foreign funding while protecting legitimate humanitarian, development and civic activities.
6. What Nigerians should be watching The key questions, safeguards and policy decisions to follow as the debate around SB 1034 develops.

Watch full episode on Youtube