By NEWSCOUNT Desk
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on government at all levels, security agencies, public institutions and citizens to place human dignity, equality and justice at the centre of Nigeria’s development as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, made the call in his Independence Day message, in which he also commended Nigerians for their resilience, creativity and determination in the face of the country’s social, economic and political challenges.
Reflecting on the national theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” Ojukwu said the success of reforms should be measured by their impact on the lives, rights and dignity of ordinary Nigerians.
He stressed that economic growth and national development would be sustainable only when the benefits of progress are broadly shared, with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups protected from disproportionate hardship.
The NHRC boss therefore urged government to strengthen social protection mechanisms, expand access to basic services and ensure that economic policies and reforms are consistent with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
He also called on law enforcement and security agencies to uphold professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in the discharge of their responsibilities.
According to him, the protection of national security must go hand in hand with the protection of fundamental rights, while the rule of law and an independent and effective justice system must remain central to the country’s development.
Ojukwu further emphasized the need for meaningful access to justice, particularly for poor people, persons with disabilities, women, children, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.
He called on public institutions to deepen public trust through transparency, accountability and responsive governance, while urging citizens to remain committed to peaceful coexistence, civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others.
The Executive Secretary also recognized the contributions of civil society organisations, the media and human rights defenders to strengthening democracy, accountability and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
He noted that an open and vibrant civic space is important to sustainable national development, stressing that the protection of human rights requires the collective efforts of government institutions, security agencies, civil society, the media, development partners and citizens.
“As Nigeria moves forward, we reaffirmed our commitment to work with government institutions, security agencies, civil society, the media, development partners and citizens to promote and protect human rights and strengthen the culture of accountability,” the learned Silk said.
Ojukwu, who is the Chief Human Rights Officer of the country, said the transition from reforms to lasting stability requires more than economic transformation.
He said it requires a Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal protection of the law, access to justice, dignity and the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the nation’s development.
The NHRC wished all Nigerians a peaceful and meaningful Independence Anniversary.
