At 30, NHRC Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting All Nigerians

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the rights of all Nigerians as it marks three decades of advocacy, accountability, and service.

Speaking at the NHRC @ 30 Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders Forum and Human Rights Expo, Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu highlighted the Commission’s achievements from monitoring detention facilities to shaping national policies on human rights.

Ojukwu stressed that NHRC has remained dedicated to protecting every Nigerian and strengthening its mandate for vulnerable groups.

He said: “As we mark thirty years, we must recommit ourselves to promoting, protecting, and enforcing human rights for all Nigerians, ensuring that every person, regardless of circumstance, can enjoy their rights fully.”

He highlighted key milestones, including national action plans, the National Preventive Mechanism, and leadership in West Africa. He said: “The NHRC has successfully implemented five consecutive National Action Plans and, for the first time in Nigeria, facilitated the adoption of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. We are now designated as the National Preventive Mechanism, strengthening our efforts to prevent torture across the country.”

Ojukwu emphasized the indispensable role of civil society and human rights defenders in the Commission’s work.

“Civil society organisations and human rights defenders have been the backbone of human rights protection in Nigeria. Your courage, advocacy, and relentless commitment have ensured that no violation is ignored and that the NHRC remains accountable and effective,” he said.

He stressed the importance of addressing modern threats to human rights, including technology, climate, and governance issues.

“The future will demand greater attention to emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, misinformation, and climate-related rights, while ensuring that human rights are fully respected and protected in all areas of governance,” he said.

He also stressed that Nigerians must actively uphold human rights, emphasizing that real progress comes from people, not just institutions.

“Institutions alone do not protect human rights,people do. True progress depends on individuals who refuse to be indifferent, who speak out, and who take action to defend the rights and dignity of every Nigerian,” he said.

Ojukwu called on government, civil society, and citizens to deepen collaboration in tackling emerging challenges such as digital surveillance, climate-related rights, and civic space restrictions.

On his part, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, emphasized the National Human Rights Commission’s three decades of steadfast advocacy in protecting human rights, noting its professional and courageous approach in line with international standards.

He said: “For three decades, the Commission has been an indispensable champion of human rights in Nigeria, consistently demonstrating courage, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the Paris Principles, serving as a beacon of justice and a stronghold for the vulnerable.”

Fall highlighted the extensive partnership between the UN and NHRC, pointing out the technical support, training, and capacity-building programs that have strengthened the Commission’s independence and operational effectiveness nationwide.

“Over these 30 years, Occupational Safety and Health Administration,OSHA has provided sustained technical assistance, capacity building, advisory services, training, and strategic support that has significantly strengthened the Commission’s independence, investigative mechanisms, monitoring systems, complaint handling processes, and nationwide outreach, helping it grow into one of Africa’s most respected human rights institutions,” he said.

The UN representative commended the leadership of NHRC, particularly its Executive Secretary, for boosting the institution’s credibility, public trust, and regional stature, making it a key player in West African human rights initiatives.

“Under his leadership, the NHRC has reached new heights of effectiveness and public trust, and we congratulate him on his role as chairperson of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions of West Africa, a well-deserved recognition that underscores his regional and continental influence in advancing human rights,” he said.

Fall stressed that NHRC’s 30th anniversary should not only be a celebration but also a moment to renew commitment to democracy, human dignity, and the fight against corruption, ensuring past lessons inspire future action.

“This moment is not just a commemoration of thirty years of existence, but a clear call to recommit ourselves to the ideals of democracy, human dignity, and fundamental freedoms, ensuring that the lessons learned during times of darkness become catalysts for concrete actions in our ongoing quest for a Nigeria where human rights are respected and upheld,” he said.

The European Union ( EU), Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasized that the European Union values the NHRC’s consistent work over three decades in defending human rights, providing Nigerians with access to justice, and promoting accountability across the federation.

He said: “The Commission’s presence across all states and federations offers Nigerians a reassurance that every citizen can gain access to the Commission in which they can conduct a deep and accountable investigation with a view to the human rights and fundamental freedoms that they value, reflecting the Commission’s enduring commitment to protecting human dignity and justice.”

Mignot highlighted the NHRC’s strategic role in promoting human rights through collaboration with civil society and government actors, leveraging its documentation and data to guide advocacy and reforms.

“The Commission and civil society partners have a strategic role to play in promoting respect for and enjoyment of human rights as guaranteed by the country’s constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other international human rights instruments, and its monthly Human Rights Situation Classical and the National Observatory of Human Rights provide essential public data to guide effective advocacy and interventions,” he said.

The Ambassador noted the NHRC’s effectiveness in handling complaints and enforcing human rights protections, illustrating its reach and impact with concrete examples such as handling millions of complaints annually.

“Over a 30-year period, the Commission has established itself as the premier defender of people’s rights, handling last year alone 2.5 million complaints on labor rights, gender-based violence, and infractions against women’s rights and freedoms, demonstrating the scope of the Commission and the effectiveness of its services,” he said.

Mignot also stressed the need for evidence-based, public health-centered approaches to challenges like drug abuse, rather than relying solely on criminalization, highlighting NHRC’s role in shaping policy.

“The focus on penalties and the resulting stigma tends to discourage drug users from seeking help, leading to further abuse and mental health issues, and the Commission’s advocacy emphasizes a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with public health strategies, rehabilitation, and community-based interventions to protect the rights and dignity of all affected,” he said.

Law Professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Prof.Joy Ezeilo emphasized that Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 was not a gift, but the result of relentless activism and courage by unarmed citizens, civil society, women’s organizations, student unions, and professional associations who demanded accountability despite repression.

“The resilience of civil society, because they didn’t give up, was evident in the civil liberty organizations, the women’s movements, and many others who stood up. Democracy in Nigeria was not handed down as a gift from nature; it was wrested into a system by the courage of unarmed citizens and the persistence of organized groups who risked persecution to demand accountability,” she said .

She highlighted the legal and institutional milestones achieved since 1999, including the new constitution, judicial improvements, and proliferation of NGOs advocating for transparency, accountability, and human rights. However, challenges remain in consolidating democracy and ensuring independent institutions.

“Because of civil society, there has been a proliferation of non-governmental organizations advocating for human rights, transparency, and accountability. Judicial improvement has been observed, yet the independence of the judiciary remains a demand that must be fulfilled, and the legitimacy of our constitution continues to require active engagement from ‘we, the people’ of Nigeria”.

She acknowledged persistent human rights challenges, including impunity by security forces, violence against women and girls, poverty, unemployment, trafficking, and cyber threats.

She stressed the importance of addressing these challenges to protect freedom, dignity, and civic participation.

“Reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, and judicial detention by security agencies continue to surface, while women and girls experience high rates of violence and limited legal protection. Poverty, unemployment, and trafficking exacerbate these vulnerabilities. Democracy must guarantee the dignity and participation of all citizens, including marginalized groups”.

She further emphasized the importance of independent human rights institutions like the NHRC and the support of international bodies such as the UN, African Union, and ECOWAS in monitoring, advising, and ensuring compliance with human rights standards. Effective remedy and institutional autonomy are crucial.

“Today, we are happy that we have an independent human rights institution. Over the past years, it has operated across regimes, documented violations, advised on policy, and engaged in dialogue. International organizations like UN, African Union, and ECOWAS have been the backbone in pushing for accountability and compliance, reminding us that effective remedy and institutional independence are essential to realizing human rights,” she said.

Ezeilo however called for collective responsibility, civic engagement, and continued vigilance to strengthen democracy, protect rights, and ensure that human rights are not just aspirations but a lived reality for all Nigerians.

“As we strive to build a more just society, together we can channel our insights and experiences into a future where human rights are not just aspirations but reality for every Nigerian. The path forward requires unwavering dedication.

At 30, NHRC Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting All Nigerians