Nigeria @66: NHRC says reforms must ensure dignity, justice and shared prosperity for Nigerians

Nigeria @66: NHRC says reforms must ensure dignity, justice and shared prosperity for Nigerians

From our journalist

Abuja (Core Reporters)- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged governments at all levels, security agencies and public institutions to ensure that Nigeria’s reform efforts result in greater human dignity, equality, justice and shared prosperity for citizens.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu (SAN), made this call in his Independence Day message, marking Nigeria’s 66th anniversary, stressing that the success of ongoing reforms must ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives, rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens.

Reflecting on the national theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity”, Ojukwu said sustainable economic growth and national development can only be achieved when the benefits of progress are widely shared and vulnerable groups are protected from disproportionate hardship.

He commended the resilience, creativity and determination of Nigerians in addressing the country’s social, economic and political challenges, while urging the Government to strengthen social protection mechanisms, expand access to basic services and ensure that economic policies remain consistent with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC also charged law enforcement and security agencies to uphold professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in discharging their responsibilities.

According to him, national security must go hand in hand with the protection of fundamental rights, while the rule of law, an independent and effective judiciary and meaningful access to justice must remain central to Nigeria’s democratic development.

He particularly called for greater protection and access to justice for poor and vulnerable Nigerians, including persons with disabilities, women, children and internally displaced persons.

Ojukwu also urged public institutions to deepen citizens’ trust through transparency, accountability and responsive governance, calling on Nigerians to support peaceful coexistence, civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others.

It recognized the contribution of civil society organisations, media and human rights defenders to strengthening democracy, accountability and fundamental freedoms, underlining that an open and vibrant civic space remains essential for sustainable national development.

The NHRC chief reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to work with government institutions, security agencies, civil society, media, development partners and citizens to promote and protect human rights and strengthen the culture of accountability.

He said the transition from reforms to lasting stability requires more than just economic transformation, but a Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal protection of the law, access to justice, dignity and meaningful opportunities to participate in national development.

The NHRC has wished Nigerians a peaceful and meaningful 66th anniversary of independence.