EDITORIAL
Nigeria,as a nation,is touted to be the most populous country in the African continent. Her dominant status is affirmed by her numerous roles in conflict resolutions and peace efforts in the whole of Africa.
In the area of Nigeria’s human rights record on the global stage,however, it is a big issue considering recent reports,which paint a picture of some challenges.
Nigeria’s standing in global human rights indices has,without doubt,has been a consistent point of concern, reflecting ongoing struggles to fully uphold the fundamental rights of her citizens.
Recent assessments, such as the 2024 World Human Rights and Rule of Law Index, place Nigeria at a concerning 120th out of 142 countries – a position that underscores significant gaps in her human rights framework and implementation. This ranking, which falls below several nations facing their own unique crises, indicates a persistent pattern of underperformance since 2015, with a score of 0.44 on a scale where one signifies the highest adherence to human rights.
According to human rights groups, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) provides further insight, with its June 2025 Human Rights Situation Dashboard highlighting a 20% increase in complaints compared to the previous month. Disturbingly, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) remains prominent, with a notable rise in rape cases and child abandonment being a significant issue. The dashboard also reported a 75% increase in killings across several States, alongside concerns about extra-judicial killings, mob action, and abuse of office by vigilante groups.
It is perhaps important to stress that one of the most troubling aspects is the state of fundamental rights. The World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index evaluates freedoms such as belief, association, information, and the right to life and due process. Nigeria scored poorly in these areas, particularly in “Safety from the State,” where it achieved a troubling 3.2 out of 10. In protection from arbitrary arrest,Nigeria, for instance, scored a mere 2.5, placing her near the bottom globally. Instances of illegal detention, harassment, and human rights abuses were also reportedly rife in 2024.
Observers believe that the issue of government accountability is another critical area where Nigeria struggles. The World Justice Project measures how well those in power are held accountable by law, including constitutional limits and judicial oversight. Nigeria’s performance in this regard was dismal in 2024, ranking below 121 other countries with a score of 0.32. This poor trend is particularly evident in the executive and legislative branches, where officials often avoid accountability for personal gains.
Reports indicate that the civil justice system faces considerable challenges. Nigeria ranked 106th out of 142 countries in 2024 for her ability to resolve grievances peacefully and effectively through civil justice. Cases where government agencies ignored court orders or where individuals were illegally detained for years despite court-ordered releases are not uncommon. This points to systemic issues within the judicial process that hinder effective redress for citizens.
Economic and social rights equally present a grim picture. The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) categorizes Nigeria’s performance in areas like health, housing, food, and work as “very bad.” Access to clean water and sanitation, for example, scored critically low at 38.25% and 46.6% respectively. This indicates that despite possessing the necessary resources, there is a significant lack of political will to invest in and uphold these fundamental rights.
The broader context of security and order further complicates the human rights records. Nigeria scored poorly in the order and security sub-index, ranking last among 142 countries with a score of 0.36. This reflects ongoing challenges with civil conflict, including intercommunal violence, banditry, and the resurgence of armed groups, which continue to result in widespread killings, kidnappings, and displacements.
Furthermore,freedom of expression and media pluralism while constitutionally guaranteed also faces hurdles. Instances of journalists being detained and broadcast regulators like the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)imposing fines on media houses for critical reporting indicate pressures on independent journalism. Blasphemy accusations and killings remain a concern in northern Nigeria, further highlighting the precariousness of certain freedoms.
Nigerian Horn is of the firm view that the cumulative effect of these challenges is a human rights record that lags behind many other nations. The data from various global indices paints a consistent picture of a nation grappling with issues ranging from arbitrary detentions and extrajudicial killings to a lack of accountability for public officials and inadequate provision of basic social services. This situation not only impacts the lives of everyday Nigerians but also affects the country’s standing on the international stage.
We strongly insist that addressing these deep-seated issues requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing judicial reforms, strengthening independent oversight institutions, enhancing accountability for security forces, and a renewed political will to prioritize the welfare and rights of all citizens. Only then can Nigeria begin to climb the global human rights ladder and truly fulfill its constitutional and international obligations.
