The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over the rising incidence of hate speech in Nigeria, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could undermine democratic processes, fuel violence, and erode the nation’s development gains ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, said hate speech represents a serious violation of human rights and poses a significant threat to national peace, unity, and sustainable development.
In a statement marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Ojukwu stressed that hate speech strips individuals of their dignity and contravenes the principles of equality and non-discrimination guaranteed under Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He noted that while freedom of expression remains a fundamental right, it does not extend to speech that incites hatred, hostility, discrimination, or violence against individuals or groups.
According to him, Nigeria’s legal framework already provides sanctions against such conduct, citing Sections 24 and 26 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalise the intentional dissemination of offensive and inflammatory content through digital platforms.
The NHRC boss, however, emphasised that legislation alone would not be sufficient to address the challenge. He urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious authorities, media organisations, and citizens to promote responsible communication and exercise restraint in public discourse.
Ojukwu warned that unchecked hate speech has the potential to deepen divisions and ignite conflict across communities.
“When communities are pitched against one another, public trust collapses, businesses shut down, schools close, and investments disappear. Conflict destroys infrastructure, displaces families, and reverses years of developmental gains. No nation can build on the ruins of hatred,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he cautioned that hate speech could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and infringe on citizens’ rights to participate freely in democratic governance.
He noted that inflammatory rhetoric could intimidate voters, suppress civic participation, and further aggravate Nigeria’s ethnic and religious fault lines.
“Hate speech is not harmless talk. It is a trigger for conflict, a brake on national development, and a betrayal of our shared humanity. Let us not allow this monster to spread ahead of the 2027 general elections. If we do, we will pay for it with lives, livelihoods, and the future of our democracy,” he stated.
Ojukwu called on Nigerians to reject divisive narratives, verify information before sharing content, and promptly report acts of incitement and discriminatory conduct to the appropriate authorities.
He also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitoring, documenting, and responding to incidents of hate speech across the country as part of its mandate to safeguard human rights and promote social cohesion.
