NHRC Tasks Government on Human Dignity, Accountability, Equal Justice at 66
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on governments at all levels, security agencies, public institutions and citizens to place human dignity, equality and justice at the centre of Nigeria’s efforts to achieve stability and shared prosperity.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, OFR, made the call in a message commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Ojukwu commended Nigerians for their resilience, creativity and determination in the face of the country’s social, economic and political challenges.
Reflecting on the anniversary theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” the NHRC Executive Secretary said the success of reforms should ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives, rights and dignity of ordinary Nigerians.
He stressed that sustainable economic growth and national development could only be achieved when the benefits of progress are broadly shared and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are protected from disproportionate hardship.
Ojukwu therefore urged governments to strengthen social protection mechanisms, expand access to basic services and ensure that economic policies and reforms remain consistent with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
He also tasked law enforcement and security agencies to uphold professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.
According to him, the protection of national security must go hand in hand with the protection of fundamental human rights.
The NHRC boss further emphasized the need to strengthen the rule of law and ensure an independent and effective justice system, with meaningful access to justice for poor and vulnerable Nigerians, including persons with disabilities, women, children and internally displaced persons.
He called on public institutions to deepen public trust through transparency, accountability and responsive governance, while urging citizens to remain committed to peaceful coexistence, civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others.
Ojukwu also acknowledged the contributions of civil society organisations, the media and human rights defenders to the strengthening of democracy, accountability and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
He noted that an open and vibrant civic space remains essential to sustainable national development.
The NHRC Executive Secretary reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, development partners and citizens to promote and protect human rights and strengthen the culture of accountability.
He said the transition from reforms to lasting stability requires more than economic transformation, but also a Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal protection under the law, access to justice, dignity and meaningful opportunities to participate in national development.
The NHRC wished Nigerians a peaceful and meaningful 66th Independence Anniversary.
