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 journey from reforms to stability and shared prosperity.
In a message marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, 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,” Ojukwu stressed that the success of reforms should ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives, rights and dignity of ordinary Nigerians.
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Economic growth and national development, he noted, would be sustainable only when the benefits of progress were broadly shared and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups protected from disproportionate hardship.
The NHRC therefore urged governments to strengthen social protection mechanisms, expand access to basic services and ensure that economic policies and reforms remained consistent with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
Law enforcement and security agencies were also urged to uphold professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Commission stressed 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 poor and vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, women, children and internally displaced persons.
Public institutions, the NHRC boss maintained, must deepen public trust through transparency, accountability and responsive governance, while citizens should remain committed to peaceful coexistence, civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others.
The Executive Secretary also recognised the contributions of civil society organisations, the media and human rights defenders to strengthening democracy, accountability and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
He noted that an open and vibrant civic space was essential to sustainable national development.
“As Nigeria moves forward, we reaffirm 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,” Ojukwu said.
The NHRC Executive Secretary noted that the transition from reforms to lasting stability required more than economic transformation, but a Nigeria where every citizen enjoyed equal protection of the law, access to justice, dignity and the opportunity to participate meaningfully in national development.
The NHRC wished all Nigerians a peaceful and meaningful Independence Anniversary.
