The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in partnership with Citizen FM, has called for stricter adherence to human rights principles and accountable governance at its 30th national conference themed “Proportional Force and Respect for Human Dignity.”
The conference, held in Abuja, brought together security agencies, government bodies, civil society groups, legal experts and development partners to discuss ways of integrating human rights standards into law enforcement and security operations.
NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, stressed that dialogue and accountability must remain central to security operations, noting that governance thrives when stakeholders openly address challenges.
“Dialogue in governance means creating platforms where the military, law enforcement agencies, MDAs, civil society, academics and citizens can sit together to examine the challenges of security and human rights,” he said. He added that proportionality in the use of force is both a legal obligation and a moral duty that safeguards the legitimacy of security institutions.
Ojukwu further highlighted that Nigeria’s constitutional provisions, security laws and international treaties offer a unified framework to guide military and police operations, warning that disproportionate or excessive force could amount to torture or inhumane treatment.
Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Prof. Dakas C.J. Dakas, emphasized that dialogue, proportionality and respect for human dignity strengthen public trust in law enforcement. He noted that proportionate use of force protects not only citizens but also officers, reinforcing institutional credibility.
“Human dignity is more than a principle—it is a governance imperative,” he said. “A citizen who feels respected by security agencies becomes a partner in peacebuilding.”
Executive Chairman of Citizen FM, Alhaji Najeem Jimoh, echoed these views, arguing that every individual possesses inherent dignity that must guide security operations. He described proportional force as a vital bridge between protecting citizens and maintaining trust in security institutions.
“Dialogue brings down walls and replaces suspicion with understanding,” he said, reaffirming Citizen FM’s commitment to promoting human rights advocacy.
The conference, which also marked the NHRC’s 30th anniversary, underscored that proportionality in the use of force and respect for human dignity remain essential pillars for building public trust, strengthening democratic governance and ensuring national cohesion.
