NHRC urges rights-centred development as Nigeria marks 66 years of independence

The National Human Rights Commission has urged Nigeria’s government, security agencies, public institutions and citizens to place human dignity, equality and justice at the centre of the country’s development as it marks 66 years of independence. In an anniversary message, NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu commended Nigerians for their resilience, creativity and determination in the face of social, economic and political challenges. He said the success of reforms should ultimately be assessed by their effect on the rights and dignity of ordinary citizens.

Ojukwu said economic growth and national development would be sustainable only if the benefits of progress were widely shared and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups were protected from disproportionate hardship. He called on the government to strengthen social protection, expand access to basic services and ensure that economic policies remained consistent with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations. The executive secretary also urged law-enforcement and security agencies to operate professionally and accountably, with respect for human rights.

He said national security should be pursued alongside protection of fundamental rights. Ojukwu further highlighted the need for the rule of law, an independent and effective justice system and meaningful access to justice, particularly for poor people, persons with disabilities, women, children, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups. He asked public institutions to build trust through transparency, accountability and responsive governance.

Citizens, meanwhile, were urged to support peaceful coexistence, civic responsibility and respect for other people’s rights. The NHRC also recognised the role of civil society organisations, the media and human rights defenders in supporting democracy and accountability. Ojukwu said lasting stability would require not only economic transformation but also equal protection under the law, access to justice, dignity and meaningful participation in national development.