The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned widespread human rights violations in the country, describing Nigeria as a “graveyard of human rights.” Speaking at the World Human Rights Day celebration in Abuja, HURIWA National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko highlighted cases of mass killings, extra-judicial executions by security forces, and abuses by armed non-state actors.
He criticized the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for its perceived inactivity, stating that the commission has failed to justify its funding by adequately defending citizens’ rights.
Onwubiko noted, “Those who advocate human rights face threats like disappearances, assassinations, and arbitrary arrests by security forces. Citizens are detained for extended periods without trial for posting comments that are critical of the President or governors, and the NHRC does little to speak for these oppressed activists.” He explained that the 2025 Human Rights Day theme, selected by the United Nations Human Rights Council, aims to reaffirm the importance of human rights and demonstrate their relevance in everyday life. “Human rights are essentials we rely on every day. By bridging the gap between human rights principles and everyday experiences, we aim to raise awareness, inspire confidence, and encourage collective action,” he added.
Former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, stressed that civil society organisations are vital partners in promoting justice and should not be seen as adversaries of the government. Represented at the event by Dr. Hassan Liman (SAN), Wamakko accepted a human rights award on behalf of the people of Sokoto, praising HURIWA’s role as “the conscience of our nation.” He urged individuals and institutions to support the organisation in its mission to protect human rights, stating, “I know this is challenging and often underfunded. Civil society is not the enemy of the government; it is an essential partner in building a just society.”
The Nigerian Army, represented by Major J. R. Mamza, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding human rights. Mamza highlighted the army’s ongoing sensitization programs, noting, “Human Rights Seminar was introduced in 2023, a series of events where the Nigerian Army addresses issues of human rights. We also do sensitisation on human rights and the conduct of Nigerian Army troops. This is done from February to November and we have covered over 20 states in 2025. The aim is to make sure that troops are acquainted with the provisions of the law as they relate to Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution.”
The event underscored the need for continued vigilance, advocacy, and cooperation between civil society, government institutions, and security agencies to protect and promote human rights across Nigeria.
