The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on governments at all levels, security agencies, public institutions and citizens to place human dignity, equality and justice at the centre of Nigeria’s drive from reforms to stability and shared prosperity.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, made the call in his Independence Day message as Nigeria marks its 66th anniversary, urged stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of national development are broadly shared and that vulnerable groups are protected from disproportionate hardship.
Reflecting on the national theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” Ojukwu said the success of economic reforms should ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives, rights and dignity of ordinary Nigerians.
He commended the resilience, creativity and determination of Nigerians in the face of the country’s social, economic and political challenges, while stressing that sustainable economic growth must be anchored on respect for fundamental rights.
The NHRC Executive Secretary urged government to strengthen social protection mechanisms, expand access to basic services and ensure that economic policies and reforms remain consistent with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
He also charged law enforcement and security agencies to uphold professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that national security and the protection of fundamental rights must go hand in hand.
Ojukwu further underscored the importance of the rule of law, an independent and effective justice system and meaningful access to justice, particularly for poor and vulnerable Nigerians, including persons with disabilities, women, children and internally displaced persons.
He called on public institutions to deepen public trust through transparency, accountability and responsive governance, while urging citizens to remain committed to 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 strengthening democracy, accountability and the protection of fundamental freedoms, stressing that an open and vibrant civic space remained essential to sustainable national development.
According to him, the transition from reforms to lasting stability requires more than economic transformation, but also a Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal protection of the law, access to justice, dignity and the opportunity to participate meaningfully in national development.
Ojukwu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with government institutions, security agencies, civil society, the media, development partners and citizens to promote and protect human rights while strengthening the culture of accountability.
The NHRC wished Nigerians a peaceful and meaningful 66th Independence Anniversary.
