NHRC Nigeria

NHRC TO HOST JUNE 12 MEMORIAL LECTURE, UNVEIL PROF. HUMPHREY NWOSU DEMOCRACY CENTRE

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has announced plans to hold the Annual June 12 Memorial Lecture in honour of the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu as part of efforts to strengthen democratic governance, electoral integrity, and human rights in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, said the lecture, organized in collaboration with the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights, will hold on June 9, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

The lecture, themed “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria,” is expected to bring together election managers, political actors, civil society organizations, security agencies, academics, development partners, the media, and citizens to discuss the future of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Dr. Ojukwu described the event as timely, stressing that electoral integrity remains fundamental to democratic governance and the protection of citizens’ rights. He noted that democracy thrives where electoral processes are transparent, inclusive, and credible.

The NHRC Boss paid tribute to the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), for overseeing the historic June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.

The learned Silk also disclosed that the event would feature the formal unveiling of the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights. The Centre is expected to serve as a platform for democratic research, civic education, leadership development, and human rights advocacy.

Dr. Ojukwu said the memorial lecture would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the lessons of June 12 and explore ways of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

He further announced that the Election Integrity and Democracy Award would be presented to Professor Nnenna Oti, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), in recognition of her courage, transparency, and professionalism in the discharge of her electoral responsibilities.

According to him, the award is aimed at celebrating integrity in public service and encouraging citizens and public officials to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and fairness.

The Executive Secretary expressed confidence that the lecture would contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral integrity, promote peaceful political participation, and enhance public trust in democratic institutions.

Responding to questions from journalists, he noted that aspects of the Open Ballot System and Option A4 electoral model introduced by the late Professor Nwosu could be reviewed and adapted where necessary to further strengthen transparency, accountability, and democratic participation in Nigeria's electoral process.

The press briefing was attended by Chief Fab Uche of the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights, as well as Dr. Emeka Nwosu, Consultant to the ECOWAS Parliament and a member of the Planning Committee for the June 12 Memorial Lecture.

WE ARE GOING LIVE!

Join the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) LIVE today as we herald the 2026 Commemoration of June 12 Democracy Day in memory of Late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.

This important Press Conference, organized in collaboration with the Prof. Nwosu Center for Democracy & Human Rights, will feature reflections on democracy, electoral integrity, human rights, and the enduring legacy of one of Nigeria’s democratic icons.

🕙 Time: 10:00AM
📍 Venue: Bukhari Bello Auditorium

🎥 Follow this page and turn on notifications to watch the LIVE broadcast and be part of the conversation shaping democratic values and human rights in Nigeria.

Together, let us honour a legacy and strengthen democracy for future generations. 🇳🇬

Happy Children's Day

Eid Mubarak!

NHRC RAISES CONCERN OVER INSECURITY, EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLINGS

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over rising insecurity, extra-judicial killings, and threats to civic freedoms in Nigeria, calling for greater accountability and protection of human rights across the country.

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr.Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN,made this known during the presentation of the April 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard and the signing of the Advisory on Protecting Civic Space and Human Rights.

According to him, the Commission recorded a total of 266,787 complaints across its offices nationwide in April 2026, reflecting the daily challenges faced by Nigerians, including discrimination, insecurity, abuse of authority, economic hardship, and limited access to justice.

Ojukwu noted that the NHRC Observatory also monitored widespread cases of violent attacks, kidnappings, communal clashes, displacement, gender-based violence, and alleged abuses linked to law enforcement activities during the period under review.

The NHRC boss specifically raised concern over a recent air strike incident in Borno State which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties. He called for a transparent and independent investigation into the incident in line with national and international human rights obligations.

He also condemned the rise in extra-judicial killings by security agencies, revealing that the Commission recorded more than five such cases in April alone. He stressed that human life is sacred and urged authorities to ensure swift prosecution of offenders and compensation for victims’ families.

Speaking on the Advisory on promoting and protecting Civic Space and Human Rights, Ojukwu described the initiative as timely, noting that civic freedoms around the world continue to face increasing pressure, especially regarding freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and media freedom.

He added that the advisory, developed through broad stakeholder consultations, would provide practical guidance for safeguarding civic participation and strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.

In his response Executive Director Nigerian Network of NGOs Oyebisi Oluseyi stated that the Commission has partnered with civil society organisations to ensure that the advisory signed is a tool for everyone to use irrespective of background and gender and advised everyone to take advantage of it.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will be hosting the MDA & CSO Consultative Forum on the National Action Plan (NAP) for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria (2024–2028).

🗓 Today, 19th May 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM Prompt
📍 Bukhari Bello Auditorium, NHRC

The forum brings together key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, advance accountability, and promote the protection of human rights in Nigeria.

NHRC DEMANDS EXPLANATION OVER RECURRENT CIVILIAN CASUALTIES FROM AIRSTKES

The National Human Rights Commission has expressed deep concern over the recurrent incidents of military airstrikes reportedly resulting in significant civilian casualties across different parts of the country, describing the development as deeply troubling and incompatible with established human rights and humanitarian law standards.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, stated that while the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other forms of insecurity remains a legitimate responsibility of the Nigerian State, such operations must at all times be conducted in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, international human rights obligations, and international humanitarian law principles.

According to the Executive Secretary, the repeated reports of civilian deaths and injuries, including women, children, and other vulnerable persons, arising from aerial bombardments raise serious concerns regarding the protection of the right to life, human dignity, and the obligation of State actors to exercise precaution and proportionality during security operations.

The Commission therefore calls on the Nigerian Air Force to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding these incidents and the measures being taken to prevent further loss of innocent civilian lives.

“Nigerians deserve to know why this has become a recurring decimal, in April and May alone we have recorded the following casualties, in April Jilli market Yobe, in May Shiroro market Niger, again in May Tumfa market in Zamfara, for how long will this continue?” The Chief Human Rights Officer asked.

The NHRC Chief emphasized that the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality, and accountability are fundamental obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and must guide all military engagements, particularly in conflict-affected communities.

Dr. Ojukwu noted that civilian lives must never be treated as collateral damage and urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational safeguards, and accountability mechanisms in order to minimize harm to non-combatants during military operations.

He further called for prompt, transparent, and independent investigations into all reported incidents of civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes, with a view to ensuring accountability, justice for victims, and adequate remedies, including compensation and psychosocial support for affected families and communities.

The NHRC reiterated that national security objectives and human rights protection are not mutually exclusive, stressing that sustainable peace and public trust can only be achieved where security operations are carried out within the bounds of legality, accountability, and respect for human dignity.

Ojukwu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitor the situation closely and engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of all persons in Nigeria.

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Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages.

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TRADITIONAL RULERS BACK CULTURE RENEWAL TO PROTECT WOMEN, GIRLS

Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders have pledged support for renewed efforts to end harmful cultural practices affecting women and girls in Nigeria, insisting that culture must uphold dignity and not cause harm.

The commitment was made during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja.

The forum brought together traditional institutions, government officials, civil society groups, and development partners to discuss practical measures for protecting women and children.

Representing the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr.Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, Director of Women and Children, Mrs. Ngozi Okore, said the initiative was aimed at renewing cultural values in line with human dignity and respect.

She stressed that culture should evolve to reflect the values of justice, equality, and protection of vulnerable groups, especially women and children. According to her, communities must preserve positive traditions while rejecting practices that threaten lives and human dignity.

Discussions centred on harmful practices such as child marriage, female ge***al mutilation, and harmful widowhood rites, which participants said continue to undermine the rights and opportunities of women and girls.

Participants at the engagement also highlighted the need for increased advocacy at the grassroots level, stronger collaboration with traditional institutions, and sustained public enlightenment to address deeply rooted cultural practices affecting women and girls.

A representative of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Tasha Roseline, said the government remains committed to strengthening legal frameworks and improving access to justice for women and vulnerable groups. She noted that ongoing efforts are focused on enhancing legal aid services, promoting awareness of existing laws, and ensuring accountability for violations against women and girls.

Also speaking, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, SAN emphasised the need for stronger implementation of laws protecting women and children across Nigeria.

She highlighted the social and economic consequences of harmful practices and called for coordinated action among government institutions, civil society organisations, and community leaders to safeguard the rights and dignity of women and girls.

Speaking at the forum, Dr. Izeduwa Derex-Briggs of the Ford Foundation urged communities to reflect on longstanding traditions and assess their impact on society today.

She noted that while culture remains an important part of identity, harmful practices that endanger the wellbeing of women and girls must be abandoned through dialogue, education, and collective action.

Also, Mr. Chino Obiagwu, SAN of the Legal Defence and Assistance Project stressed that reforms must be community-driven, noting that traditional rulers have a critical role to play in promoting gender equity and protecting women’s rights.

He added that sustainable change can only happen when communities take ownership of reforms and work closely with institutions to challenge harmful norms and practices.

Participants agreed on measures to support girl-child education, maternal health, women’s participation in decision-making, and grassroots monitoring of progress in collaboration with the NHRC.

The stakeholders noted that protecting women and children is essential for national development, peace, and social stability, and pledged continued collaboration to translate commitments into action at the community level.

NHRC Says Culture Must Serve Human Dignity as Traditional Rulers Back Efforts to End Harmful Practices

The National Human Rights Commission has called for the renewal of culture to align with human dignity and rights, stating that no tradition should take precedence over the health, respect, and wellbeing of people.

“No culture is superior to human dignity. Our ancestors themselves upheld values of health, respect, and human dignity,” said Mrs. Ngozi Okorie, Director of Women and Children, representing NHRC Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR SAN at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja.

The gathering brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, community elders, government officials, civil society, and development partners to chart a community-led path for protecting women and children from harmful cultural practices.

At the forum, participants examined practices including child marriage, female ge***al mutilation, and harmful widowhood rites, agreeing that ending them is critical to national development and not solely a human rights concern.

Traditional rulers were identified as central to driving change at the grassroots, with Mr. Chino Obiagwu of the Legal Defence and Assistance Project stressing that gender equity will not succeed if imposed from outside and that communities must own the reforms themselves.

Through plenary and breakout sessions, attendees committed to adopting community guidelines that promote respect and dignity, supporting girl-child education and maternal health, ensuring women participate in decision-making processes, and working with the NHRC to monitor progress at the community level.

The Federal Ministry of Justice, represented by Mrs. Tasha Roseline, said government is strengthening laws, legal aid, and public awareness to improve women’s access to justice and opportunity, while Prof. Joy Ezeilo presented data on the prevalence of harmful practices, existing legal protections, and their impact on women and girls across Nigeria.

Ford Foundation’s Dr. Izeduwa Derex-Briggs urged open reflection on practices that have existed for generations, asking whether they still serve communities today.

Stakeholders concluded that protecting women and children contributes directly to economic growth, social stability, and peace, with one traditional ruler noting that when daughters are safe and educated, communities prosper.

The forum ended with a renewed pledge for stronger collaboration between palaces, government, and communities to translate reforms into everyday practice.

The event was organized by the NHRC and LEDAP with the support of Ford Foundation.