By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
AWKA, Anambra State — August 16, 2026 — The Tropical Gate Foundation for Sustainable Development has kicked against the proposed Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Regulation Bill before the National Assembly, warning that excessive government control of civil society organisations could undermine grassroots development, humanitarian interventions and civic participation in Nigeria.
The Foundation, in a statement issued from its administrative headquarters in Awka and made available by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nnamdi Mbaigbo, said it supports transparency, accountability and responsible governance in the non-profit sector.
However, it expressed concern that the proposed regulatory framework could impose excessive bureaucratic hurdles on organisations providing essential services to vulnerable communities.
The Founder of the Foundation, Apostle Nnamdi Mbaigbo (FIMC, CMC, FICM, FIADRN, DFAI), argued that Nigeria already has regulatory mechanisms governing non-profit organisations and questioned the necessity of introducing another layer of government control.
“Nigeria does not lack non-profit regulation. Legitimate foundations like ours already operate within existing legal and financial compliance frameworks,” Mbaigbo said.
According to him, requirements for additional approvals or licences before NGOs can implement programmes could delay interventions in communities where urgent assistance is needed.
He listed medical outreaches, clean-water projects, educational support, youth development programmes and emergency humanitarian interventions among activities that could be affected by excessive regulatory requirements.
Three major concerns
The Foundation identified three major areas of concern over what it described as potentially restrictive provisions of the proposed legislation.
1. Delays in humanitarian interventions
The organisation warned that additional approval requirements could slow emergency assistance and community-based projects, particularly in underserved areas where NGOs often need to respond quickly to pressing local needs.
2. Threat to development funding
The Foundation also expressed concern that a more restrictive regulatory environment could discourage international philanthropic organisations and development partners from funding projects implemented by Nigerian NGOs.
It argued that uncertainty surrounding licensing and operational approvals could ultimately reduce the development resources reaching vulnerable communities.
3. Pressure on grassroots organisations
The organisation further raised concerns about the possible impact of broad regulatory provisions on community-based organisations, town unions, youth groups, cooperatives and informal community support structures.
It noted that such groups constitute an important part of Nigeria’s grassroots social and economic support systems and should not inadvertently be subjected to regulatory requirements designed for larger formal organisations.
The Foundation’s position comes amid renewed debate over NGO regulation in Nigeria, with civil society groups previously expressing concerns that expanded licensing and regulatory powers could shrink civic space.
Proponents of stronger regulation, however, have argued that greater oversight is necessary to promote accountability, transparency and responsible management within the non-profit sector.
Foundation appeals to Anambra lawmakers
The Tropical Gate Foundation appealed to Senator Emma Nwachukwu, representing Anambra South Senatorial District, and Hon. Dominic Ifeanyi Okafor, representing Aguata Federal Constituency, to carefully scrutinise the proposed legislation and protect the interests of constituents who depend on community-based development and humanitarian initiatives.
“Our representatives in Abuja must remember that they represent the people and the interests of the communities they serve,” Mbaigbo said.
He urged lawmakers to support sustainable partnerships between government, civil society and development organisations rather than measures that could unnecessarily restrict legitimate organisations from serving vulnerable Nigerians.
The Foundation explained that it was not opposed to accountability, financial transparency or appropriate oversight of NGOs.
Rather, it called for a regulatory framework that would strengthen public confidence in the sector without compromising the independence and operational effectiveness of civil society organisations.
“We support accountability and responsible governance, but regulation should strengthen the capacity of civil society to contribute to national development, not create barriers that prevent organisations from reaching the people who need assistance most,” Mbaigbo said.
The Tropical Gate Foundation said it would continue engaging civil society organisations, lawmakers and other stakeholders through lawful and democratic channels to advocate for what it described as a balanced approach to NGO regulation.
It said such an approach should promote accountability while preserving constitutional freedoms of association, participation and civic engagement.
Tags: #NGORegulation #CivicSpace #TropicalGateFoundation #Anambra
