Disturbing Figures: Nigeria Sees Million Rights Violations Reported Every Year

Disturbing Figures: Nigeria Sees Million Rights Violations Reported Every Year

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has revealed a staggering 2 million human rights violation complaints are submitted annually across Nigeria. Prof. Anthony Ojukwu, NHRC’s Executive Secretary, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday during the commemoration…READ MORE…

of International Human Rights Day, which celebrates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The NHRC’s awareness walk, themed “Equality: Reducing Inequalities and Advancing Human Rights,” was a call to action in partnership with the European Union, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC).

Ojukwu highlighted that the increase in complaints reflects the growing awareness among Nigerians of their human rights. He contrasted this with the past, noting that during military rule, there were only a handful of complaints annually. “This shift is a sign of progress,” Ojukwu remarked. The Commission emphasized that citizens are encouraged to report violations, providing a legal avenue for justice.

At the event, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman, NHRC’s Governing Council Chairman, stressed the importance of making Human Rights Day a daily concern, particularly for out-of-school children. She argued that educating them could eliminate societal vices. Meanwhile, the United Nations’ Mohammed Fall and Dr. Natalia Kanem of UNFPA called for continued global commitment to human rights, with special emphasis on women’s rights.

Human Rights Day also saw strong statements from several advocacy groups. The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) condemned the increasing attacks on journalists, urging the Nigerian government to take action to ensure media freedom and human rights protection.

Despite progress, there are persistent challenges. Notably, the rise in extrajudicial killings, police brutality, and gender-based violence, alongside the stifling of free speech, remain pressing issues. In a joint statement, SERAP and NGE highlighted the misuse of laws like the Cybercrimes Act to silence journalists and critics, warning that press freedom is increasingly under threat in Nigeria.

In response, Labour Party’s Peter Obi voiced concerns over the country’s human rights climate, acknowledging the troubling reality that many Nigerians continue to face rights violations, despite constitutional promises of protection. He urged fellow citizens to reflect on the state of human rights in the country and called for stronger accountability for those violating citizens’ rights.

As the NHRC continues to encourage the public to support its Human Rights Fund, officials also pointed out that donations — in various forms, including equipment — are needed to help carry out their work. Dr. Ogbankwa, a lawyer and advocate for judiciary independence, called for strict sanctions against those responsible for human rights abuses, insisting that Nigeria must prioritize the protection of its citizens’ dignity and rights.

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