By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission has called on government at all levels and key stakeholders to strengthen social protection measures and guarantee the rights of all citizens, as Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Day of Social Justice.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, made the call in a message marking the annual observance held on February 20.
According to him, Nigeria cannot afford to neglect social justice, describing it as a critical foundation for social stability, economic growth, and human rights advancement, especially at a time when the country faces growing insecurity, inflation, youth unemployment, and climate-related challenges.
He urged federal, state, and local governments to adopt responsive and inclusive policies aimed at addressing the plight of unemployed citizens, victims of administrative injustice, internally displaced persons affected by insurgency and flooding, survivors of gender-based violence, persons living with disabilities, and individuals whose digital rights may be threatened in the evolving artificial intelligence era.
Ojukwu described poverty as a serious violation of human rights, warning that widening economic inequality, compounded by the removal of fuel subsidy and depreciation of the naira, has significantly increased the cost of living for low-income families. He emphasized the urgent need for robust social safety nets to cushion vulnerable populations and prevent further hardship.
He also raised concern over growing ethnic and regional tensions across the country, calling for dialogue and inclusive governance to ensure fair and equitable allocation of resources among states. He noted that a truly federal system anchored on fairness and justice would promote national unity and reduce feelings of marginalization.
The NHRC Executive Secretary further described the 2026 World Day of Social Justice as a reminder of the need for citizens to seek redress for rights violations and to take advantage of the commission’s institutional mechanisms to safeguard their freedoms. He stressed that the primary responsibility of government remains the welfare and security of its citizens.
Ojukwu also called for sustained implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, noting that compliance would ensure public infrastructure and digital platforms are accessible through provisions such as ramps, braille signage, and assistive technologies, thereby enabling persons with disabilities to fully enjoy their fundamental rights.
The World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20 to promote fairness, equity, and equal opportunities, while encouraging governments and institutions worldwide to address poverty, exclusion, and unemployment as part of broader human rights and development goals.
