By Edith Nwapi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)’s monthly human rights dashboard has received global commendation for its role in tracking human rights violations.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN), made this known at the presentation of the first quarter dashboard report of human rights violations complaints of January to March.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dashboard tracks, analyses, and reports on human rights violations across the country.
Ojukwu said that the reporting mechanism has been praised by international stakeholders, particularly following the Annual General Meeting of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
“While the dashboard initiative benefitted from initial support from development partners, the commission remains committed to sustaining the independent mechanism for information, data and accountability for human rights violations in Nigeria.
“I was recently honoured to speak on the dashboard and its utilitarian impact at the United Nations in Geneva, reflecting the recognition by the global community of our efforts in Nigeria to uphold human rights and a culture of accountability for violations.
“Across the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the West African subregion, plans are underway to follow the best practice established by Nigeria on the dashboard as a tool for human rights monitoring and accountability.
“The commission calls on all stakeholders to engage actively with the findings of this dashboard.
“The media, in particular, plays a crucial role in amplifying these issues, shaping public discourse, and holding duty bearers accountable,” he said.
Ojukwu said moving forward in 2026, the commission will continue to strengthen the Human Rights Situation Dashboard as a real-time accountability tool.
He added the commission will also deepen its observatory function to ensure that no violation goes unseen or unaddressed.
According to him, this first quarter report is not merely a presentation of data; it is a clear call to action.
“This is a call for stronger institutions, more responsive governance, and a renewed national commitment to the protection of human dignity.
“We must work to build a Nigeria where human rights are not only guaranteed in law, but realised in the daily lives of all people.
“On this note, I must commend and congratulate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the signing of the Kampala Convention into law in Nigeria.
“The African Union Convention on the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons presents us with a historic opportunity to address the indignity, inequality and vulnerability associated with internal displacement in Nigeria,” he said.
He said the introduction of the dashboard was with a clear vision to institutionalise a culture of timely, transparent, and data-driven reporting on the state of human rights in Nigeria.
“Today’s presentation reflects not only our commitment to sustaining that vision, but also our determination to strengthen it.
“While this briefing covers January, February and March 2026 in a consolidated format, it does not represent a retreat from our monthly reporting structure.
“Rather, it marks a strategic consolidation at the start of the year, allowing us to present a broader, more reflective analysis of emerging trends, while reinforcing the commission’s resolve to maintain regular public accountability,” he said.
He noted that in January, the commission recorded a total of 180,341 complaints.
The complaints, he said, covered violations relating to freedom from discrimination emerging as the most prevalent.
Ojukwu noted that this underscored persistent structural inequalities and highlights the need for stronger safeguards against discriminatory practices in both public and private spheres.
“In February, complaints rose significantly to 223,144, with issues relating to law enforcement and the protection of human dignity ranking highest.
“This trend calls for renewed emphasis on accountability, professionalism, and human rights compliance within law enforcement institutions.
“By March, the number of complaints further increased to 256,132, once again with freedom from discrimination topping the chart,” he said.
Ojukwu noted that the upward trajectory across the quarter is both notable and
concerning, reflecting both persistent violation and improved reporting mechanisms.
According to him, it is important to recall Human Rights Outlook for Nigeria, which outlined key risks, priorities and strategic directions for strengthening human rights protection across the country.
“The first quarter of 2026 reflects a complex and evolving human rights environment, shaped by insecurity, socio-economic pressures, and institutional challenges.
“Across the North-East, incidents linked to insurgency continue to impact civilian populations, including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and restricted access to essential services.
“In the North-West, patterns of banditry and kidnappings persist, posing serious threats to the right to life, liberty, and security. In the North-Central region, communal and resource-based conflicts remain a major concern,” he said.
Presenting the dashboard report, Mr Harry Ogbonna, senior human rights adviser to the commission and the dashboard coordinator, lamented the violations against women and children’s rights.
He said a nation’s development is measured by its respect for the rights of its women and children.
Again, we want to emphasise that the society is rated both in terms of human development and human civilisation on how it treats women.
“Every society that subjugates women, that violates serially the rights of women, is not a developed society.
“From Asia to Europe to Africa to both Latin and North America, countries that treat women, that protect women, that empower women, are usually the ones with the highest development,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
