NHRC Handles Over 2 Million Human Rights Complaints Annually

• The National Human Rights Commission reveals it receives over two million complaints of human rights abuses annually across Nigeria
• NHRC Executive Secretary Prof. Anthony Ojukwu emphasizes the need for legislative actions to ensure accountability and justice for victims

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has revealed that it receives more than two million complaints of human rights abuses in Nigeria annually.

This disclosure was made by NHRC Executive Secretary, Prof. Anthony Ojukwu, during the National Legislative Forum on Human Rights in Abuja. The forum was part of activities marking this year’s International Human Rights Week.

The event, organized in collaboration with the European Union (EU), the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, sought to address pressing human rights issues.

“We receive over two million complaints a year, which is mind-boggling,” Prof. Ojukwu stated.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, stressed the importance of strong legislative and institutional actions to ensure accountability, justice, and the welfare of victims of terrorism and banditry.

Represented by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonbvere, he emphasized that Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations provide a solid framework for safeguarding citizens’ rights, but these require effective enforcement.

Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire, SAN, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, highlighted the inseparable link between democracy and human rights.

He urged that recommendations from the forum be submitted to the National Assembly for necessary action.

The forum underscored the critical need for collaboration between stakeholders to strengthen human rights protection and address systemic abuses in Nigeria.