Says human rights complaints fell 15% to 297,943 in August

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned political actors to abide by the rules as campaigns and political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, gave the warning yesterday in Abuja at the presentation of the NHRC’s August 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard.

Ojukwu said the Commission would remain vigilant and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that human rights, particularly the right to political participation, are protected throughout the electoral process.

He noted that elections were closely linked to several fundamental human rights, including freedom of association, peaceful assembly, expression and movement, as well as the rights to life and dignity of the human person.

The Commission (NHRC) yesterday disclosed that it recorded 297,943 human rights complaints across the country in August 2026, representing a 15 per cent decline from the 354,977 complaints recorded in July.

The commission, however, cautioned that the decline should not yet be interpreted as evidence that human rights violations are reducing across the country, saying it could also reflect under-reporting by victims.

Presenting the August 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja, the NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, said insecurity remained a dominant feature of the human rights situation during the month, particularly in Benue and Niger states.

He called for thorough and transparent investigations into killings in affected communities and urged that perpetrators be brought to justice without further delay.

The NHRC Executive Secretary also stressed that the responsibility of government did not end with the rescue of victims, saying survivors should receive appropriate medical, psychosocial, family-reunification and other support needed for recovery and reintegration.

On the proposed Foreign Aid Bill before the National Assembly, Ojukwu said the Commission recognised the legitimate need for transparency and accountability in the management of foreign assistance.

He, however, said the Commission was concerned about issues raised by civil society organisations, the media and international partners over the potential impact of the proposed legislation on civic space and the independence of organisations working to promote human rights.

He urged the National Assembly to engage with those concerns, particularly those relating to freedom of association, freedom of expression and the independence of civil society organisations.