Akwa Ibom CSOs fault proposed Civil Society Registration Bill, demand review
Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom’s civic sector have raised concerns regarding the Akwa Ibom Civil Society Registration Harmonization Bill 2026, which has recently passed its first reading in the State House of Assembly.
During a workshop in Uyo on Friday, organized by the Forum of Akwa Ibom Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Technical Working Group (TWG), participants called for an urgent review of the bill’s legal provisions and regulatory powers, citing potential implications for the civic space. The event received support from the European Union-funded CSO-Bridge Project and the Ethics and Good Leadership Awareness Initiative (EGLAI).
Dr. Sam Oguche from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies voiced concerns about the bill’s procedure for appointing the Registrar and Assistant Registrars, noting that it does not allow for direct involvement of CSOs in the selection process. He questioned the requirement of 10 years of relevant sector experience, the lack of safeguards for geographical representation, and the ambiguity surrounding the Registry’s legal status and responsibilities. Oguche cautioned that granting excessive authority to the Registrar could diminish accountability.
Barr. Shekwonya Galadima of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission also criticized the bill’s drafting style, highlighting inconsistencies with contemporary legal standards, grammatical issues, and undefined terminology. She pointed out the absence of provisions for regulations, offenses, and sanctions, as well as proper citation and schedules, and urged for revisions to enhance the bill’s legal clarity.
Members of the TWG and media representatives expressed concerns that the bill presented for review differed significantly from the version they had previously submitted to the State House of Assembly.
Dr. Harry Udo, the team lead of EGLAI, characterized the workshop as a participatory and inclusive effort, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective regulation that does not excessively restrict civic space.
“Regulation is positive unless it becomes overly restrictive,” Udo stated, adding that an appropriate legal framework can enhance accountability and foster government collaboration with civil society organizations.
