The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday revealed that Nigeria recorded a staggering 659,617 human rights complaints in the first quarter of 2026.

The commission’s February and March Human Rights Situation Dashboard highlights a deteriorating landscape driven by insecurity, discrimination, and institutional weaknesses.

Presenting the report in Abuja, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu ( SAN) described the figures as “deeply concerning,” urging urgent transition from policy declarations to concrete enforcement.

The data shows a steady rise in complaints: 180,341 in January, 223,144 in February, and 256,132 in March, highlighting both persistent violations and improved reporting mechanisms.

Discrimination-related violations topped the chart across the quarter, reflecting entrenched structural inequalities, while February saw a spike in abuses linked to law enforcement and violations of human dignity, raising accountability concerns.

“This dashboard is not just about numbers, but about victims whose voices must be heard,” Ojukwu said.

Drawing from nationwide complaints and its Human Rights Observatory, the NHRC said the report aligns with its 2026 outlook, which identified insecurity, gender-based violence, shrinking civic space, and economic hardship as key risks.

Regionally, insurgency continues to impact civilians in the North-East, while banditry and kidnappings persist in the North-West. Communal conflicts remain prevalent in the North-Central, with deadly incidents reported in Jos and Nasarawa.

The Commission also flagged rising cases of gender-based violence, mob justice, and alleged law enforcement abuses, alongside worsening socio-economic conditions affecting access to basic needs.

Ojukwu stressed the need for stronger institutions and accountability mechanisms, warning that failure to act undermines citizens’ dignity.

“We must build systems that prevent violations, protect citizens, and punish perpetrators,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s 2026 priorities, including expanding access to justice, strengthening institutional accountability, and deepening collaboration with stakeholders.

Highlighting global recognition, Ojukwu noted that the NHRC dashboard has gained attention at the United Nations and is emerging as a model for human rights monitoring across West Africa.

He also commended the domestication of the Kampala Convention, describing it as a critical step toward addressing internal displacement.

Separately, Ojukwu declared that the era of inaccessible justice must end, as the Commission moves to reform its complaints system through a newly reviewed manual and digital infrastructure.

Central to this reform is the Human Rights Abuse Tracking System (HRAT), designed to automate complaint processes, from submission to resolution, enhancing efficiency and transparency.

The revised manual introduces confidentiality safeguards, clear referral pathways, and simplified procedures for frontline responders, aimed at making justice more accessible, especially for vulnerable groups.

“Where there is a right, there must be a remedy,” Ojukwu said, acknowledging that this principle has often fallen short in practice.

He urged stakeholders to rigorously scrutinize the framework to ensure it delivers real protection and accountability.

Once validated, the manual will serve as the national standard for handling human rights complaints.

Reaffirming the NHRC’s mandate, Ojukwu pledged sustained commitment to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring justice for all Nigerians.

“The figures we present are a call to action. Human rights must be lived realities, not just legal guarantees,” he said.