Executive Secretary of the (NHRC) Tony Ojukwu has stressed that respect for human rights strengthens security outcomes, noting that human rights and security should not be seen as competing interests.
According to him, when communities trust law enforcement agencies, they are more willing to cooperate in crime prevention and intelligence gathering.
Speaking at a dialogue on building trust and protection of human rights organized by by Lift for Citizens Development and Advancement (LICDA) the NHRC boss stated that transparent and fair processes make convictions credible, while decisive action against abuses helps institutions gain legitimacy.
According to him, this is particularly evident within the criminal justice system where processes such as investigation, arrest, detention and prosecution are necessary tools of governance but can undermine public confidence if misapplied or abused.
“The strength of public institutions is measured not merely by their powers but by how responsibly those powers are exercised. When misapplied or abused, they can erode public confidence, undermine legitimacy and weaken the very security they are meant to protect,” he said.
Ojukwu explained that the mandate of the NHRC, established under the National Human Rights Commission Act, is to promote, protect and enforce human rights in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international obligations.
He noted that the fundamental rights including dignity of the human person, personal liberty and fair hearing, stressing that these rights are enforceable and binding on all authorities and individuals, however, he noted that the key challenge remains effective implementation of these laws.
Ojukwu added that building trust in the justice system requires professionalism in investigation, lawfulness in arrest, humane treatment in detention, fairness in prosecution and accountability when violations occur.
“Trust is built when citizens see that the law applies equally to all without fear, favour or prejudice,” he said.
He reiterated the commission’s commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s criminal justice system reflects the highest standards of constitutionalism, accountability and respect for human dignity.
A Social Justice Advocate Barrister Kenechukwu Agwu in his keynote address urged victims of human rights violations to take advantage of existing legal and institutional mechanisms to seek justice and compensation.
He noted that several government agencies and organisations provide avenues for citizens to lodge complaints when their rights are violated. These include the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and the National Human Rights Commission, which offer support to victims seeking redress.
In addition, some legal organisations and lawyers provide pro bono services, taking up cases free of charge to ensure victims of rights abuses are not denied justice due to financial constraints.
Barrister Kenechukwu however, expressed concern that many human rights issues remain unresolved, stressing the need for stronger efforts to ensure victims receive adequate compensation within the existing legal framework.
He emphasised that the compensation of victims is possible under Nigeria’s legal system and called for deliberate steps to entrench such provisions in practice.
On security at the grassroots level, they highlighted the importance of community policing, noting that many security and human rights issues are local in nature and require community-based responses.
They also called for proper regulation of vigilante groups, urging the government to introduce accreditation systems for such groups to ensure accountability.
According to him, establishing mechanisms for checks and balances would help prevent abuses and ensure that community security efforts operate within the rule of law.
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