The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the country as a “graveyard of human rights”.
HURIWA accused the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of abandoning its core mandate amid rising insecurity, extrajudicial killings, and widespread abuses.
The National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, made his feelings known on Wednesday, during the organisation’s 2025 Human Rights Day Dialogue in Abuja, to mark this year’s global theme, “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials.”
Onwubiko observed that the theme was especially relevant to Nigeria, where insecurity and economic hardship continue to create “growing sense of alienation” among citizens.He said, “The United Nations reminds us that human rights are the everyday essentials we rely on. Sadly, in Nigeria, these essentials are violated almost daily”.
He noted that although the 1999 Constitution clearly enshrines fundamental rights, and Nigeria has established institutions to protect them, the reality on the ground paints a troubling picture.
In a strongly worded criticism, HURIWA accused the National Human Rights Commission of becoming largely ineffective.
“The Commission has deviated from its central role. Nigerians are facing mass killings, disappearances, and arbitrary arrests, yet the NHRC is missing in action,” Onwubiko asserted.
He referred to cases of citizens being detained for social media posts critical of political leaders, alleged organ harvesting detention cells in parts of the South-East, and the fatal shooting of women protesters in Adamawa, all those issues, he observed, received no meaningful attention from the NHRC.
HURIWA also faulted the Commission for hosting an award ceremony instead of defending vulnerable citizens.
The organisation criticised the NHRC’s decision to honour Air Peace CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, despite ongoing federal investigations into consumer complaints in the aviation sector.
“How does a Commission that should defend citizens give awards to business owners already under investigation for consumer rights violations?”
The group referenced a December 2024 BusinessDay report on federal investigations into banks, telecom operators, and airlines over alleged exploitative practices.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had opened inquiries into GTBank, MTN Nigeria, and Air Peace over network failures, data depletion, and alleged price manipulation, respectively.“
These are issues that directly affect the dignity and rights of citizens. Yet the Commission tasked with defending human rights chose silence,” HURIWA regretted.
“In contrast, the group praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what it described as “impressive progress” under the leadership of Ola Olukoyede.
Onwubiko highlighted the Commission’s recovery of $411 million and over ₦566 billion, along with 7,503 convictions between 2023 and 2025.
“We applaud the EFCC hierarchy, especially for the sharp improvements in human rights compliance within their operations,” he pointed out.
“If sustained, this will set a new standard for law enforcement behaviour in Nigeria.”
He noted that part of the funds recovered had been channelled into national initiatives such as the Students’ Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme.
Onwubiko stressed that despite Nigeria’s current challenges, human rights remain “positive, essential and attainable,” urging citizens and institutions to recommit to defending them.
“Our mission is to bridge the gap between human rights principles and everyday experiences. Nigerians must feel protected, not endangered, by those who wield authority,” he added.
He reaffirmed HURIWA’s commitment to advocating a society where human dignity is respected without compromise.
