The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on governments at all levels, security agencies and public institutions to make human dignity, equality and justice central to Nigeria’s development as the country celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The commission said the success of ongoing government reforms should ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives, rights and dignity of ordinary Nigerians, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, made the call in his Independence Day message to Nigerians, commending citizens for their resilience, creativity and determination in confronting the country’s social, economic and political challenges.
Reflecting on the national theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” Ojukwu said the transition from reforms to sustainable stability must be anchored on the protection of fundamental rights and equal access to justice.
In the statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Mohammed, Ojukwu urged governments to strengthen social protection programmes, expand access to basic services and ensure that economic policies and reforms comply with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
He also charged law enforcement and security agencies to balance national security responsibilities with respect for fundamental rights, stressing that security operations must be conducted with professionalism, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
According to him, an independent and effective justice system remains critical to building public confidence, especially among poor and vulnerable Nigerians who often encounter significant barriers to accessing justice.
Ojukwu identified persons with disabilities, women, children, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups as requiring enhanced protection and meaningful access to justice.
He further urged public institutions to strengthen citizens’ trust through transparency, accountability and responsive governance, while calling on Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence, civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others.
The NHRC Executive Secretary also acknowledged the contributions of civil society organisations, the media and human rights defenders to democratic development, accountability and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
He stressed that an open and vibrant civic space remained essential to sustainable national development and pledged the commission’s continued collaboration with government institutions, security agencies, civil society groups, the media, development partners and citizens to advance human rights and accountability.
Ojukwu said Nigeria’s transition from reforms to lasting stability must go beyond economic transformation to building a society where every citizen enjoys equal protection under the law, access to justice, dignity and the opportunity to participate meaningfully in national development.
He said: “The transition from reforms to lasting stability requires more than economic transformation; it requires a Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal protection of the law, access to justice, dignity and the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the nation’s development.”
