Annual Report

Preface

The year 2025 is far more than just another annual reporting cycle, it is a defining period in the storied history of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria. This year stands as a historic milestone, marking exactly thirty years of an unwavering commitment to the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights across our great nation. Our journey is one that finds its roots in the profound legacy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a global covenant that saw member States commit to the actualization of inherent human dignity within their individual borders. In alignment with these global aspirations, the NHRC was established to breathe life into those ideals, ensuring that the rights of the Nigerian people were not merely academic concepts but enforceable realities.

Since its establishment in 1995, the Commission has undergone a metamorphosis that is nothing short of remarkable. We have evolved from a nascent, fledgling agency initially navigating the complexities of a transitioning society, into a formidable global leader among National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). When the doors of the Commission first opened, we operated as a small agency offering pro-bono services, receiving a mere 41 complaints in our first year of operation. Today, we stand as a robust, quasi-judicial institution of first resort, having handled cumulative grievances numbering in the millions since our inception. This exponential growth is not just a statistical achievement, it is a testament to a nationwide movement for justice and the enduring relevance of the Commission in the daily lives of Nigerians.

FOREWARD

Human rights, as enshrined in International Treaties and Declarations, represent the cornerstone of Justice, Dignity and Equality. The promotion, protection, and enforcement of human rights is a task that transcends borders, governments and institutions. The importance of fostering a culture of human rights has been a central theme of global dialogue and action since the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, with the commitment to human rights being further strengthened by the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights.

Within this framework, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) have emerged as critical players in the global quest to safeguard the rights and freedom of individuals. These institutions play a fundamental role in promoting and defending human rights at the national level, serving as competent bodies for the redress of violations, as well as catalysts for education and awareness. Nigeria, recognizing the need for a strong national body to uphold the rights of its citizens, established the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 1995. This Commission was tasked with ensuring that the rights of every individual within Nigeria are respected, upheld and protected, while also playing an active role in fostering democratic values, accountability and the rule of law.

FOREWARD

The National Human Rights Commission witnessed yet another year of success in line with its Mandate and Strategic Plan. The year 2023, posed a number of challenges as Nigerians are still grappling with economic, social and political conditions that constrain the enjoinment of human rights by the citizenry; more so that it was an election year. I therefore wish to appreciate and congratulate the Governing Council members, Management, Staff and all stakeholders who contributed in various ways towards the successes recorded in this Report.

In the year under review, incidences of Insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, farmers/herders clashes continued unabated with the attendant number of internally displaced persons; attacks by unknown gunmen continued to increase. Agitation for self-determination in the South East and South West could not be contained. General insecurity and sky-rocketing inflation was the order of the day as prices of staples were out of reach of most Nigerians.

FOREWARD

The National Human Rights Commission witnessed yet another year of success in line with its Mandate and Strategic Plan. The 2022 year posed a number of challenges as Nigerians are still grappling with economic, social and political conditions that constrain the enjoinment of human rights by the citizenry. I therefore wish to appreciate and congratulate the Governing Council members, Management, Staff and all stakeholders who contributed in various ways towards the successes recorded in this Report.

In the year under review, incidences of Insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, farmers/herders clashes continued to increase with the attendant number of internally displaced persons; attacks by unknown gunmen continued to increase. Agitation for self-determination in the South East and South West could not be contained. General insecurity and sky-rocketing inflation was the order of the day as prices of staples were out of reach of most Nigerians.