NIGERIA @66: NHRC Calls For Rights-Based Development, Equal Justice For All

As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on government at all levels, security agencies, public institutions and citizens to place human dignity, equality and justice at the centre of the nation’s journey from reforms to stability and shared prosperity.

In a message marking the anniversary, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN), commended the resilience, creativity and determination of Nigerians in the face of the country’s social, economic and political challenges.

Reflecting on the national theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” Chief Ojukwu said the success of reforms must ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives, rights and dignity of ordinary Nigerians.

He stressed that economic growth and national development would be sustainable only when the benefits of progress are broadly shared and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are protected from disproportionate hardship.

The NHRC Boss therefore urged government 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 called on law enforcement and security agencies to uphold professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in the discharge of their responsibilities, stressing that the protection of national security must go hand in hand with the protection of fundamental rights.

Ojukwu further emphasised the importance of the rule of law, an independent and effective justice system, and meaningful access to justice, particularly for the poor, persons with disabilities, women, children, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.

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.

The Executive Secretary also recognised the contributions of civil society organizations, the media and human rights defenders to strengthening democracy, accountability and the protection of fundamental freedoms, noting that an open and vibrant civic space is essential to sustainable national development.

As Nigeria moves forward, “we reaffirmed our commitment to work with government institutions, security agencies, civil society, the media, development partners and citizens to promote and protect human rights and strengthen the culture of accountability” the learned Silk said.

The Chief Human Rights Officer of the country noted that the transition from reforms to lasting stability requires more than economic transformation; it requires a Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal protection of the law, access to justice, dignity and the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the nation’s development.

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