The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised fresh concerns over the growing prevalence of hate speech in Nigeria, warning that it posed a significant threat to the country’s democracy, peace, unity, and development, particularly as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
This warning was contained in a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, to commemorate the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
According to the statement, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described hate speech as a direct violation of human rights, noting that it strips individuals of their dignity and undermines the right to equality and non-discrimination guaranteed under Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Ojukwu explained that while freedom of expression remains a fundamental right, it does not extend to speech that incites hatred, hostility, discrimination, or violence against others.
The NHRC boss pointed out that Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act 2015 already recognizes the dangers associated with inflammatory communication, noting that Sections 24 and 26 of the law criminalize the deliberate dissemination of offensive and provocative messages through digital platforms.
He stressed, however, that legal provisions alone are insufficient to curb the menace, calling on political actors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, media practitioners, and citizens to promote responsible communication and avoid actions capable of inflaming tensions.
Ojukwu warned that unchecked hate speech often serves as a catalyst for division and conflict, with far-reaching consequences for national stability and economic growth.
He noted that when communities are pitted against one another, public trust deteriorates, businesses struggle to survive, schools are forced to close, and investors become reluctant to commit resources to affected areas.
“Conflict destroys infrastructure, displaces families, and reverses years of developmental gains. No nation can build on the ruins of hatred,” he stated.
With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, the Executive Secretary cautioned that hate speech could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and threaten citizens’ constitutional rights to participate freely in governance.
He warned that inflammatory rhetoric has the potential to intimidate voters, suppress participation, and deepen existing ethnic and religious divisions across the country.
“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,” Ojukwu warned.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria urged Nigerians to reject hate speech in all its forms, verify information before sharing it, and report incidents of incitement, discrimination, and violence to relevant authorities.
He also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitoring, documenting, and responding to hate speech incidents across the country as part of efforts to promote human rights, peaceful coexistence, and national unity.
