North Central Has Highest TB Rights Violations in Nigeria – Report

• The North Central Geopolitical Zone accounts for 51% of human rights violations related to tuberculosis in Nigeria, according to a report
• The report highlights stigma and discrimination as the highest recorded violations, urging the government to empower affected individuals in decision-making

The North Central Geopolitical Zone has been ranked highest in human rights violations associated with tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria.

According to a non-governmental human rights organisation report, the zone accounts for 51% of human rights violations in the country. It is closely followed by the South West at 21%, South-South at 12%, and the North East and North West each at 6%, with the South East at 4%.

For states with the highest violations, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Benue top the chart at 22%, followed by Lagos at 12%. Enugu, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kano, Delta, and Edo each account for 4%. States with the least reportage at 2% each include Cross River, Ogun, Kaduna, Oyo, Plateau, Ekiti, Gombe, Osun, and Akwa Ibom.

At the local government area (LGA) level, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) ranks highest at 20%, with Guma in Benue second at 14%, Alimosho in Lagos third at 8%, and Bauchi in Bauchi State and Bomadi in Delta each at 4%. Other LGAs were recorded at 2% each.

The comprehensive report by Lawyer Alert on Human Rights Violations Associated with Tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria indicates that the highest recorded violation relates to stigma and discrimination, accounting for 53% of incidents.

The report, arguably the first of its kind in Nigeria, offers an in-depth analysis of the human rights abuses faced by people affected by TB across the country.

The President of Lawyers Alert, Barrister Rommy Mom, called on the government to encourage community-led initiatives and empower Persons Affected by Tuberculosis (PATBs) to document experiences, share insights, and participate in decision-making for TB interventions.

Mom emphasized the need for comprehensive approaches to address the rights and protection of persons affected by TB, pointing out the significant challenges they face. He called on stakeholders to prioritize awareness creation and relevant training for healthcare workers, community members, and the public to reduce TB-related violations.

The report is a crucial resource for advocacy and policy-making, aiming to end stigma and discrimination and improve TB care and prevention services for PATBs. Broken conjugal rights and disruption of family life account for 43% of human rights abuses faced by PATBs across the country, while violations in medical and healthcare rank third at 6%, and wrongful social and economic practices had an insignificant reportage of less than 1%.