The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that nearly 170,000 complaints of human rights violations were recorded across Nigeria in January 2025.
Speaking at the presentation of the January Human Rights Situation Dashboard on Friday, NHRC Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu revealed that the commission received 169,850 complaints from its 38 offices nationwide. While this marks a decrease from December 2024, it represents a sharp rise compared to January 2024.
“This figure is a stark reminder that human rights violations persist at an alarming scale,” Ojukwu said. “Each complaint represents a person, a family, or a community seeking justice, accountability, and relief.”
He highlighted ongoing human rights concerns, including the resurgence of Boko Haram in the North-East, escalating banditry in the North-West, and rising violence in the South-East.
Ojukwu stressed the need for stronger preventive measures and greater collaboration between state and non-state actors to protect citizens. He also noted that 2025 marks the NHRC’s 30th anniversary, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts to uphold human rights nationwide.
“The role of civil society and the media in holding the government accountable remains critical,” he added. “It is our hope that this report will drive meaningful change in governance, security, and social justice.”
