The House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights has commended the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for what it described as a resilient and impactful performance in 2025, pledging legislative support for the Commission’s proposed ₦20 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
The endorsement was given during the Commission’s budget defence before the Committee, where lawmakers acknowledged the NHRC’s sustained efforts to deliver on its mandate despite funding constraints and rising human rights concerns nationwide.
Chairman of the Committee, Peter Abiola Makinde, praised the Commission for maintaining visibility, transparency and accountability, particularly through its Human Rights Dashboard, which provides real-time updates on complaints received and actions taken. He noted that amid increasing reports of violations affecting fundamental freedoms, the Commission had remained proactive and responsive.
Makinde stressed that the National Assembly bears a constitutional obligation to strengthen institutions charged with protecting citizens’ rights, assuring the NHRC of continued collaboration and effective oversight.
Presenting the Commission’s 2025 performance report, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, disclosed that the Commission recorded more than 3.7 million complaints during the year. He attributed the surge to growing public awareness and confidence in the NHRC as an accessible platform for redress.
According to Ojukwu, the volume of cases underscores the urgent need to enhance investigative capacity, improve complaint resolution mechanisms, and expand the Commission’s physical presence across the country. He reiterated the importance of safeguarding the institution’s independence in line with the Paris Principles, the global standards governing national human rights institutions.
To deepen access to justice at the grassroots, Ojukwu revealed that eight new state offices have been constructed under his leadership, with plans to establish 20 additional offices in 2026. He also highlighted infrastructure challenges at the Commission’s headquarters, noting that staff strength has tripled since 2007, making expansion and renovation unavoidable.
For the 2026 fiscal year, the NHRC is proposing a ₦20 billion budget, with 33.67 per cent allocated to personnel and overhead costs, and 66.33 per cent dedicated to capital expenditure. Ojukwu said the spending framework reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritise infrastructure development, operational expansion and improved service delivery.
Committee members signalled readiness to back the proposal, urging the Commission to consolidate its gains and intensify efforts to safeguard and promote human rights nationwide.
The endorsement marks a significant vote of confidence in the NHRC at a time when public demand for accountability and effective rights protection continues to rise.
