NHRC: Hate Speech is a Violation of Human Rights

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has identified hate speech as a violation of the human rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination against others.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu gave the description on Wednesday in Abuja at the commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence”, invites us to examine the growing intersection between technology and human rights. It challenges us to reflect on the double-edged nature of AI as both a tool for development and a potential amplifier of harmful narratives, including hate speech.

He said: “As the lead institution charged with the protection and promotion of human rights in Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) asserts the intricate relationship between hate speech and human rights. In its base form, hate speech seems to be an illustration of the freedom of expression. However, in its impact, hate speech is a violation of the human rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination against others.”

He added that: “The National Human Rights Commission remains deeply concerned about the rising spread of hate speech, particularly as it takes new and more dangerous forms through digital technologies powered by artificial intelligence. Hate speech is not just a threat to individual dignity, it is a direct attack on democratic value and social cohesion. It violates the right to dignity of the human person, the right to be free from discrimination, and the right to participate in public life without fear of suppression or violence.”

He noted that some of the significant steps taken over the years by the NHRC to confront hate speech and its multi-polar challenges include: “In the build-up to the 2023 general elections, the Commission launched the Mobilising Voters for Elections (MOVE) Project, which focused on promoting access, participation, and accountability. Recognising the toxic role of hate speech in electoral processes, the MOVE Project identified it as a major obstacle to voter inclusion.

“The Commission established the National Hate Speech Register to record incidents and trends across the country, allowing for real-time documentation and response.

“We have conducted specialized training for our staff nationwide to monitor and report hate speech across both traditional and digital media.

“In recognising the centrality of the media in combating hate speech, the Commission issued anAdvisory on the Role of Media in Countering and Reporting Hate Speech, recognising the powerful influence of the media and the need to strengthen responsible journalism.

“In April 2025, the NHRC issued a major Advisory Opinion on the Protection of the Right to Freedom of Expression in Nigeria, in response to concerns about the Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024, particularly Section 24 which was criticized for restricting freedom of expression.”

He decried that: “the challenge before us today extends beyond traditional platforms. Artificial Intelligence especially in its generative form is reshaping the way information is produced, consumed, and disseminated. The same technologies that empower innovation can also be exploited to generate, amplify, and target hate speech with unprecedented speed and reach. This scenario portends dangers for the enjoyment of the right to privacy as guaranteed by section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.

“Through algorithmic targeting, manipulated images, deepfakes, and automated bots, hateful and discriminatory narratives can now be crafted and circulated far more efficiently, often bypassing existing regulatory frameworks. If not addressed, these technologies can incite violence, and reinforce dangerous stereotypes.”

He however promised that: “As we move forward, the NHRC is expanding its work in this area by exploring AI-based tools that support early detection of hate speech and misinformation, partnering with tech platforms and regulatory bodies to encourage transparency in algorithmic content moderation and to demand accountability where violations occur.Additionally, developing a national framework for the ethical use of AI and digital technologies in line with human rights principles, particularly as it concerns youth engagement, elections, and social media governance.”
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NHRC: Hate Speech is a Violation of Human Rights

ECOWAS Launches €110 million Projects for Regional Peace and Stability

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched four significant projects worth approximately €110 million, aimed at strengthening regional peace and stability, supporting institutional reforms, and promoting trade within the subregion.
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The projects which are funded by the European Union (€82.5 million), Germany (€26 million), and other partners are support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance Project (EPSG), this is to aid ECOWAS Commission in the Implementation of the AfCFTA /Trade in Services Programme,.

It is also to support ECOWAS Commission on Organisational Development / Institutional Support to ECOWAS Phase II and Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme.

ECOWAS Commission President, Alieu Touray on Tuesday said the projects seek to strengthen regional peace and stability, as well as support institutional reforms and trade within the community of ECOWAS.

He said: “The projects align with ECOWAS’ strategic orientations, including strengthening peace and security arrangements at regional and national levels, enhancing institutional effectiveness, and promoting sustainable trade.

“This initiative is crucial, considering ECOWAS’ Peace Fund requires approximately $300 million to implement its five-year strategic plan for peace initiatives in West Africa.”

Touray while providing updates on ECOWAS’ engagement with countries that have decided to leave the organisation, stated that the status quo will be maintained in areas such as trade and free movement until a new agreement is reached.

He said: “We have agreed until we come to a new agreement, we will maintain the status quo in all areas,”

He expressed gratitude to partners for their continued support and emphasized the need for accountability and joint decision-making in implementing these projects.

“With a focus on delivering concrete results, these projects hold considerable promise for the people of West Africa.” He added.

Earier in her remarks, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Annett Günther, stressed the importance of regional integration and cooperation in West Africa.

Günther stressed the strength of the European partnership with ECOWAS, as she stated that the launch marks more than the start of four new projects.

“It reflects our shared commitment to trade, peace and security and good governance in West Africa.”

She noted that the projects address different aspects of ECOWAS’ Vision 2050, which aims to build a citizen-centered community for peace and prosperity.

Günther highlighted the importance of these initiatives, saying, “Trade and services is a key driver of employment and innovation and a powerful lever for economic transformation. In addition, countries that trade with each other are less likely to experience war or internal conflicts.”

“Germany is committed to partner with ECOWAS and its member states in advancing our shared mission – a stable, democratic and prosperous West Africa.” She said.

Also the European Union Ambassador to ECOWAS and Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, noted that the projects are part of a single strategic vision, where peace, regional integration, and economic opportunities are mutually reinforcing.

Mignot highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS’ efforts in building, a safer, more integrated, and more prosperous West African region.

He said, “The EU history illustrates that when countries are willing to come together, they are stronger, more resilient, more competitive, and more secure.”

“The projects launched today address both urgent needs and long-term goals, empowering the private sector, modernizing cross-border trade, and supporting regional responses to security challenges.”

Mignot expressed his gratitude to the ECOWAS management, the German and Spanish embassies, and implementing partners for their commitment to these projects.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of Mission, Spanish Embassy in Nigeria, Mrs. María Higón Velasco, reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to partnering with ECOWAS, highlighting the country’s long-standing cooperation program with the regional organization.

Velasco noted that the projects are designed to align with ECOWAS’ core priorities, stating, “These projects are designed to strengthen trade competitiveness, improve market access, foster regional integration, promote peace and security, and increase institutional capacity in West Africa, all of these being core priorities of ECOWAS as well.”

She highlighted the significance of the partnership between Spain and ECOWAS, which began over 20 years ago and has grown stronger over time.

“The Spanish government will provide €984,000 in funding for the institutional strengthening of the ECOWAS Commission, which will be co-financed by the European Union and Germany’s KfW Development Bank, amounting to a total of €7.4 million.

Velasco stressed the importance of this project, saying it is “rooted in the principles of aid effectiveness, as set out in the Accra Agenda for Action and the Busan Partnership.”

Velasco also highlighted the involvement of the Spanish institution, the Fiat Foundation, in the implementation of the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance project.

“This initiative aims to reinforce ECOWAS’ capacity to address disinformation and political violence in electoral processes, promoting innovative approaches and increasing bridges between regional institutions and civil society.”

“These projects represent more than just financial commitments. They display new opportunities to deepen cooperation and to bolster regional cohesion.

“They will create a stronger ECOWAS that will deliver greater good to respond effectively to the challenges of the present and build a brighter future for West African states, leaving no one behind.” She said.

ECOWAS Launches €110 million Projects for Regional Peace and Stability

EXCLUSIVE: Military strikes new ISWAP base in Baikee Forest, Injures Terrorist Leader Abu Moussab Albarnawi

By: Zagazola Makama

In continuation of the ongoing Operation KALACHEN WUTA, the Nigerian Military’’s Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has recorded another decisive success following a well-coordinated air interdiction mission on a newly established base of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) located at Baikee Forest in the general area of Sambisa, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Zagazola Makama reports from a credible impeccable sources that the mission was executed with precision on ISWAP terrorists who had converged within the forest axis of Izge–Pridang–Baikee, where they were in the process of fortifying their newly established camp and planning coordinated attacks on nearby civilian communities, especially Izge town.

The sources said that the strikes, supervised by Maj Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theartre Commander North East Joint Task Force Operation Hadin, and executed by the Air Component Commander Operation Hadin Air Commodore UU Idris, on June 13, 2025 in successive waves, delivered multiple hits on the terrorists’ gatherings, destroying key logistical assets and neutralizing several high-value ISWAP leaders.

Battle Damage Assessment conducted by sources confirmed that the group suffered heavy casualties.

Notably, intelligence sources further confirmed that the notorious ISWAP general leader, Abu Moussab al-Barnawi, sustained serious injuries to his face and upper limbs during the airstrikes. His current medical and operational status remains uncertain.

The successful neutralization of the terrorist elements and disruption of their regrouping efforts has diminished their fighting capacity and plunged into disarray.

The ground and Air component troops of Operation Hadin Kai have been urged to remain vigilant and continue to maintain dominance in the theatre to deny terrorists the freedom of action, degrade their capabilities, and support in ensuring lasting peace in the region.

EXCLUSIVE: Military strikes new ISWAP base in Baikee Forest, Injures Terrorist Leader Abu Moussab Albarnawi