The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the ongoing forced evictions and demolitions in Lagos State and expressed concern over the closure of markets in Anambra State linked to the enforcement of the sit-at-home directive.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu described the actions as serious violations of citizens’ fundamental human rights.
Dr. Ojukwu expressed concern over the demolition of waterfront and informal settlements in Makoko, Lagos, which he said has displaced thousands of residents without adequate notice, compensation, or resettlement arrangements.
He noted that the demolitions have left many families homeless and destroyed their sources of livelihood, stressing that such actions contravene constitutional provisions on human dignity, housing, and family life, as well as international human rights standards to which Nigeria is a signatory.
According to him, several court rulings prohibiting forced evictions have been ignored, a development he said undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in governance.
“The courts have issued pronouncements prohibiting forced evictions, yet these rulings are disregarded. This undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in governance,” he said.
The NHRC boss emphasized that development projects must not be pursued at the expense of citizens’ fundamental rights. He called for an immediate halt to demolitions and urged authorities to engage affected communities through meaningful consultations, while providing adequate compensation and resettlement.
Meanwhile, the Commission also faulted the Anambra State Government over the closure of Onitsha Main Market following traders’ compliance with the outlawed sit-at-home directive.
While commending the state government for efforts to curb the sit-at-home practice, Dr. Ojukwu warned that shutting down markets amounts to collective punishment and violates traders’ rights to livelihood, freedom of movement, and due process.
He disclosed that the economic impact of the sit-at-home order remains severe, with the Anambra State Government estimating losses of about ₦8 billion every Monday.
Dr. Ojukwu added that many traders complied with the directive out of fear of violence, highlighting the need for stronger security measures and confidence-building initiatives to restore public trust.
He urged the Anambra State Government to prioritize dialogue with stakeholders, strengthen security in commercial centres, and adopt policies that protect both economic activities and human rights.
Reiterating the Commission’s position, Dr. Ojukwu said development, law enforcement, and economic governance must be anchored on justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity.
He warned that forced evictions and collective sanctions could deepen social vulnerabilities, fuel public resentment, and threaten social stability.
The NHRC assured Nigerians that it would continue to monitor developments in both states and engage relevant authorities to ensure that governance processes align with national and international human rights obligations.
