Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and inclusive development at the high-level segment of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
Delivering Nigeria’s national statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s steadfast adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, noting that the fundamental rights and freedoms are constitutionally guaranteed under Chapter IV of Nigeria’s Constitution.
He described the Council as an indispensable platform for dialogue, prevention, and cooperation, reaffirming Nigeria’s full engagement with its mechanisms.
Addressing global security challenges, Tuggar observed that international peace and democratic gains are increasingly under threat worldwide. He stressed that Nigeria remains resolute in safeguarding the right to life and ensuring the protection of civilians, particularly children.
“Nigeria recalls the Vienna declaration and program of action, which affirms the right to development and all human rights are interdependent, interrelated and mutually reinforcing. Accordingly, we recognize the primary responsibility of states to foster an environment conducive to development. In this spirit and under the renewed hope agenda, Nigeria has undertaken bold economic and fiscal reforms aimed at stabilizing our economy and enhancing transparency in our financial systems.” He said
He highlighted the acceleration of the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools as part of efforts to secure learning environments across the country.
“We live in an era where international peace and security are under siege, threatening the hard-won gains of democracy. These threats are not peculiar to any single state or region. They are a global crisis demanding collective resolve. While no nation is immune, Nigeria’s experiences have only deepened our resolve to protect the right to life and the security of all citizens, especially our children, whose right to learn in safety is a sacred priority. To this end, we’ve accelerated the national plan on financing Safe Schools, providing critical investments to secure learning environment” he said
The Minister also underscored Nigeria’s commitment to accountability in security operations, including reforms and strengthened regional and international cooperation to ensure compliance with international human rights and humanitarian standards.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to freedom of religion or belief, emphasizing peaceful coexistence among faith communities as a cornerstone of national unity.
On development, Tuggar recalled the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which affirms the interdependence of human rights and the right to development.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, he said Nigeria has embarked on bold economic and fiscal reforms to stabilize the economy, enhance transparency, and expand National Social Investment Programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.
He outlined key national priorities, including poverty reduction, food security, youth empowerment, and leveraging Nigeria’s digital economy to advance economic rights. According to the Minister, inclusive development remains Nigeria’s most powerful tool for conflict prevention and democratic resilience.
The statement also emphasized the growing link between human rights and environmental protection. Nigeria, he said, recognizes the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and remains committed to climate adaptation strategies anchored in human rights and sustainable development.
While congratulating Ambassador Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro on his election as the President of the Council’s 20th Cycle by assuring him of Nigeria’s cooperation and support, the Minister announced Nigeria’s candidature for membership of the Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term, pledging constructive engagement and a firm commitment to upholding universal values, promoting prevention, and advancing peace, justice, and sustainable development in Africa and beyond.