The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reported a dramatic rise in human rights violation complaints, with 355,726 cases recorded in December 2024 alone, compared to 1,147 cases in January of the same year.
NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) made this know during the presentation of the Commission’s December 2024 Human Rights Situation Dashboard and year-end review on Tuesday.
Ojukwu (SAN), expressed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring accountability.
He described the significant increase in complaints as both a reflection of heightened public awareness and the growing trust in the NHRC as a credible institution for justice.
“This surge reflects the growing awareness of human rights among Nigerians and the trust they place in the Commission as a beacon of hope,” Dr. Ojukwu stated.
The report detailed widespread violations, including restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association; child abandonment; gender-based violence; suppression of civic space; and escalating threats from banditry and mass killings.
Dr. Ojukwu called for concerted efforts from all among all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and international partners to address these pressing issues.
He stressed the need for strengthened accountability mechanisms, improved training for law enforcement personnel, and focused interventions to protect vulnerable groups.
The event also marked the beginning of the NHRC’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, set for 2025, which Ojukwu described as an opportunity to renew Nigeria’s commitment to upholding international human rights obligations.
The NHRC expressed gratitude to partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for their support in advancing human rights protection.
“Let us work together to make 2025 a turning point in our quest to become a nation where no one is oppressed or left behind,” Ojukwu said.
The Commission reaffirmed its resolve to champion justice and equality, urging all Nigerians to join hands in building a society that respects and upholds the dignity of every individual.