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Reps Panel Applauds NHRC’s 2025 Performance, Signals Support for ₦20bn 2026 Budget
Reps Panel Applauds NHRC’s 2025 Performance, Signals Support for ₦20bn 2026 Budget
By: Michael Mike
The House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights has commended the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for what it described as a resilient and impactful performance in 2025, pledging legislative backing for the Commission’s proposed ₦20 billion budget for 2026.
The endorsement came during the Commission’s budget defence before the Committee, where lawmakers acknowledged the NHRC’s efforts to sustain its mandate despite financial constraints and mounting human rights concerns across the country.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Peter Abiola Makinde, praised the Commission for maintaining visibility, transparency and public accountability, particularly through its Human Rights Dashboard, which provides updates on complaints received and actions taken. He noted that at a time of increasing reports of violations affecting fundamental freedoms, the Commission has remained active and responsive.
Makinde stressed that the National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility to strengthen institutions that protect citizens’ rights, assuring the NHRC of continued collaboration and oversight support.
Presenting the Commission’s 2025 performance report, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, revealed that the NHRC recorded more than 3.7 million complaints within the year. He attributed the high number to growing public awareness and confidence in the Commission as an accessible platform for redress.
According to Ojukwu, the surge in complaints highlights the urgent need to strengthen investigative capacity, improve complaint resolution mechanisms, and expand the Commission’s physical presence nationwide.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional independence in line with the Paris Principles, which set global standards for national human rights bodies. To improve access to justice at the grassroots, he disclosed that eight new state offices have been constructed under his leadership, with plans underway to establish 20 additional offices in 2026.
The Executive Secretary also pointed to infrastructure challenges at the Commission’s headquarters, noting that staff numbers have tripled since 2007, making expansion and renovation imperative.
For the 2026 fiscal year, the NHRC is proposing a ₦20 billion budget. Of this amount, 33.67 percent is earmarked for personnel and overhead costs, while 66.33 percent is allocated to capital projects — a distribution Ojukwu said reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritize infrastructure, operational expansion and improved service delivery.
In response, members of the Committee indicated readiness to support the proposal, urging the Commission to build on its gains and intensify efforts to safeguard and promote human rights nationwide.
The Committee’s endorsement signals strengthened legislative confidence in the NHRC at a time when public demand for accountability and rights protection continues to grow.
Reps Panel Applauds NHRC’s 2025 Performance, Signals Support for ₦20bn 2026 Budget
NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality
The Group Chairman Nigerian Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga has restated the NGX’s commitment to gender equality and diversity at all levels of the organisation.
Kwairanga stated this in Lagos on Tuesday while delivering his welcome address on the occasion of the closing ceremony in honour of the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who visited the floor of the Nigerian Exchange.
He stated that the Nigerian Exchange Group as an organisation remained committed to inclusiveness that drive growth and development at all levels of the NGX’s dealings.
He stated that through such inclusive representation, the NGX has achieved near parity at the board levels of the organisation and was working to improve the representation of female employees down the line.
“As an institution committed to sustainable growth and practices, we recognise the important qualities and values that women bring to the workplace and know that they perform just as well, if not better than men.
“It is a tradition in finance and investment that can be traced to the origins of the banking, finance and investment professions when most of the trade guilds that evolved into those professions were largely composed of men.
“The tradition has persisted for hundreds of years but despite that nomenclature, let me assure you that the investment and securities sector is very welcoming to and open to city gentlemen who are female.
“Women are very well represented at all levels of our industry and I can confide in you that the next President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers is going to be a woman,” he said.
Kwairanga stated that the NGX would partner with the Ministry to accelerate progress for women’s rights and improve the lot of female gender across the country.
He commended Sulaiman-Ibrahim for her several bold and innovative initiatives that would have positive impact on women and the country as a whole.
NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality
Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 Operation Wirld Stroke deployed at FOB Bilawa-Jor conducted a fighting patrol within Mbapa and Mbabuande general areas on March 23, 2026.
During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists, neutralizing one suspect while others fled.
Following a pursuit, four additional suspects were apprehended and are currently in the custody of security forces for further investigation and prosecution.
In a similar development the troops
recovered a vehicle carrying two cows abandoned by suspected cattle rustlers in Uhemba.
The incident occurred at about 0348hrs on March 24, 2026, when the troops responded to intelligence reports of rustling activities in the area.
Upon the arrival of troops, the suspects fled, leaving behind the vehicle and livestock.
The recovered vehicle and cows are now in the custody of the troops for further investigation and legal action.
Military continue to urge the public to provide timely information on criminal activities to support ongoing security efforts.
Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA
Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade have neutralized a suspected terrorist during a fighting patrol at Odoape–Adankolo Forest in Kabba/Bunu LGA.
The encounter occurred at about 1400hrs on March 23, 2026, when the patrol team made contact with the fleeing suspect.
Preliminary investigation identified the neutralized individual as a notorious terrorist involved in providing intelligence and targets for kidnappings, as well as participating in cattle rustling and supplying logs to terrorist groups.
The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive patrols and intelligence-led operations to curb criminal activities and protect residents in the area.
Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA
NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality
General Chris Musa, Hi-tech Fencing of Nigerian Porous Borders and the Foolish Pride of Sowore
Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA
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