The House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights has approved the 2026 budget proposal of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), commended the agency for what it described as an impressive performance in the 2025 fiscal year.
The approval followed the presentation of the commission’s 2026 estimates by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN), during a budget defence session at the National Assembly.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abiola Makinde, expressed satisfaction with the commission’s utilisation of its 2025 allocation and gave the nod to the proposed 2026 budget.
“We are really impressed with your 2025 budget performance,” Makinde said. “We are also okay with the 2026 budget proposal, and if we discover any infraction, we will call you back to answer. Notwithstanding, we are okay with it.”
Dr. Ojukwu, in his presentation, appreciated the committee for its sustained cooperation and support, noting that it contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the 2025 budget.
He, however, drew the lawmakers’ attention to the commission’s infrastructure challenges, revealed that the NHRC still operate from rented offices in most states of the federation, except a few where it owns buildings. He appealed to the committee to continue backing the commission to enable it acquire permanent office structures nationwide.
The NHRC’s 2026 proposal formed part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ₦58.18 trillion Appropriation Bill currently before the National Assembly, which outlines government spending priorities across key sectors, including human rights protection and social welfare.
The committee’s approval signaled legislative confidence in the commission’s mandate and financial stewardship as it seeks to strengthen human rights protection across the country.
