The Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu, has received the 2026 UTA International Humanitarian Award for advancing human rights and protecting vulnerable people in Nigeria.
The United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation (UTA), Nigeria Chapter, presented the award in Abuja on 20 August 2026 during events marking World Humanitarian Day 2026.
UTA, a United Nations-affiliated non-governmental organisation with consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), recognised Ojukwu for promoting human dignity, access to justice and protection for vulnerable and marginalised groups.
The humanitarian award recognised several initiatives carried out under Ojukwu’s leadership at the NHRC.
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These include economic empowerment for victims of human rights violations, compensation and restorative support, and transitional justice initiatives in Nigeria’s North-East.
Victim-Centred Approach
The commission has also worked to improve access to justice for poor and marginalised people. These efforts form part of its victim-centred approach to human rights protection.
That approach extends beyond documenting violations. It also focuses on accountability, remedies, restoration and support for victims seeking to rebuild their lives.
Under Ojukwu, the NHRC has continued to strengthen its response to human rights violations linked to conflict, poverty, displacement and other forms of vulnerability.
The commission’s approach places dignity and rights alongside immediate humanitarian assistance. It also seeks to promote long-term well-being for people affected by crises and rights violations.
The recognition comes as Nigeria continues to face complex humanitarian challenges, including displacement and the effects of conflict and poverty.
The NHRC, established to promote and protect human rights in Nigeria, plays a key role in documenting violations and supporting access to justice and remedies.
The award ceremony brought together government officials, diplomats, humanitarian actors and other stakeholders involved in promoting human dignity and addressing humanitarian challenges.
Vice President Kashim Shettima was represented by the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Abubakar Umar.
Other dignitaries included the Zamfara State governor’s representative and Chief of Staff, Mouktar Mohammed Lugga; Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi; and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro.
Members of the diplomatic corps also attended the ceremony. Other participants included UTA International Global Secretary-General Dr. (Amb.) Eya Essif and UTA-Nigeria Country President Amb. Princess Abigail Amalaha.
Reacting to the honour, Ojukwu said the award reinforced the importance of humanitarian service to ordinary Nigerians.
“As a humanitarian myself, this award has stimulated me to do more,” he said
He said that the recognition strengthened the need to keep victims, dignity and justice at the centre of human rights protection.
Ojukwu said this focus remains particularly important as Nigeria addresses complex humanitarian and human rights challenges.
