Babatunji Wusu –
- NHRC received over two million human rights violation complaints in 2024, reflecting growing awareness and active engagement from Nigerians.
- The NHRC operates in all 36 states, offering avenues for redress for rights violations.
- Increased funding from both government and private sectors is essential for the NHRC to effectively address complaints.
- Dr. Salamatu Hussein emphasized the importance of focusing on children’s rights, particularly the right to education, to address broader societal issues.
In 2024, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) reported receiving over two million complaints of human rights violations from Nigerians. This was revealed by the NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, during a Human Rights Walk in collaboration with the European Union-funded International IDEA. The walk, commemorating International Human Rights Day, aimed to raise awareness about the fundamental rights of every Nigerian.
Ojukwu emphasized that citizens across the country whose rights are violated can approach the Commission for redress, noting that the NHRC’s offices in all 36 states are equipped to handle such complaints. The surge in the number of complaints, now reaching two million annually, reflects heightened public awareness of human rights and the eagerness of Nigerians to report violations. Ojukwu described this as a sign of progress, stating that Nigerians are increasingly conscious of their rights and are actively seeking justice.
However, he called for increased funding from both government and private sectors to effectively address these violations. While acknowledging the government’s efforts, he stressed that more financial support is needed to fulfill the Commission’s mandate. Ojukwu also emphasized that the responsibility of protecting human rights extends beyond the government to include private individuals and companies, encouraging them to contribute to the cause.
Dr. Salamatu Hussein, Chairperson of the NHRC Governing Council, highlighted the urgent need to address violations of children’s rights in Nigeria. She pointed out that prioritizing children’s right to education is essential to tackling the country’s out-of-school crisis. Dr. Hussein stressed that safeguarding children’s rights is crucial for Nigeria’s future, as they are the nation’s leaders of tomorrow.
