Nigeria Senate advances foreign aid regulation bill

The Nigerian Senate passed for second reading a bill sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo to establish a National Donor Coordination Framework, requiring registration of all foreign aid and donor-funded projects, creation of a national database, integration into government budgets, public disclosure, and sanctions for non-compliance. Lawmakers cited accountability gaps, transparency concerns, and national security risks, particularly regarding funds channeled through NGOs. The bill was referred to committees on National Planning and Economic Development and Finance, with a report expected within four weeks.