Regarding U.S. foreign assistance cuts, a Nigerian civil society leader said: "Terms like ‘money laundering’ and ‘criminal organizations’ are being used to describe NGOs in Nigeria. This kind of framing is deeply dangerous and it’s gaining legitimacy.”

Date: 5/25

Region: Africa

Country: Nigeria

Topic: Governance & Rights

Policy Lens: Democracy & Governance

Entry Type: Field Observation

Additional Context: This quote was shared during a webinar titled “Navigating Uncertainty: The Impact of US Funding Freezes on Global Civil Society” hosted by EU SEE on May 7, 2025. Over 300 participants ranging from grassroots leaders to donor agencies and academics came together to share insights.

This quote is attributed to Oluseyi Oyebisi, Executive Director of the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO). According to EU SEE, these narratives are emboldening lawmakers to repress civil society organizations. In Nigeria, new legislative efforts to regulate civil society are emerging alongside official investigations into NGO finances.

Source: EU SEE