The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and Amnesty International have called for stronger accountability, protection of citizens’ rights and improved grassroots advocacy against human rights violations in Nigeria.

HEDA, in a statement, urged protection of citizens against abuse of power, selective enforcement and unethical conduct by public officials, stressing that fairness, transparency and respect for the rule of law remain fundamental to effective anti-corruption governance.

The group also commended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, for demonstrating commitment to institutional integrity through disciplinary measures taken against officials implicated in misconduct and corrupt practices.

In the statement signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation described the dismissal of one of the EFCC’s top prosecutors, Samuel Chime, and others over allegations of bribery and sabotage of cases as a bold step towards strengthening public confidence in the anti-graft agency.

“Holding public officers accountable, regardless of their position, is essential to preserving the credibility of anti-corruption institutions. The action taken by the EFCC leadership sends a strong signal that misconduct and abuse of office will not be tolerated within the Commission,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called for greater use of data and grassroots advocacy in addressing human rights violations in Nigeria, insisting that citizens, institutions and governments must work together to strengthen accountability and protect vulnerable communities.

The organisation made the call in Calabar during a two-day capacity-building workshop for human rights defenders under its pilot project being implemented in Cross River, Kano and Bauchi states.

Speaking at the training, Amnesty International’s Programmes Manager, Barbara Magaji, said the initiative was designed to equip volunteers and social media influencers with skills to promote human rights awareness, document violations and engage relevant authorities for redress.

According to her, many human rights abuses occur in remote communities where victims have limited access to justice, making it necessary to build a network of trained advocates capable of responding to such challenges at the grassroots.

“We want people to become conscious of their rights, understand how to respond when violations occur and know how to hold institutions accountable. Human rights violations happen in communities, not just in state capitals, and people must be empowered to act,” she said.

Magaji explained that participants were selected through an application process and had earlier undergone virtual sessions before the physical training.

She added that participants would be expected to undertake advocacy projects addressing specific human rights concerns within their communities.

According to her, issues ranging from restrictions on freedom of expression and attacks on journalists to challenges in healthcare and education could form the basis of community advocacy campaigns.