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Workers Day: NHRC harps on rights and dignity of Nigerian workers
Governments at all levels and employers of labour, have been urged to make deliberate and sustained efforts to improve the rights of workers and ensure they receive adequate renumeration for their welfare, in view of the present economic realities.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the call in a statement to mark the 2025 Workers Day celebration.
Ojukwu extended the Commission’s solidarity to all Nigerian workers, saying their “untiring commitment continues to drive the nation’s progress, even amidst daunting economic challenges.”
The statement which was signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have said that Nigerian workers are facing unprecedented hardships due to high inflation rate which has significantly eroded the purchasing power of salaries, making it increasingly difficult for workers to afford basic necessities of life, adding that the soaring cost of transportation has further compounded these challenges, often hindering workers’ ability to commute to their workplaces, thereby affecting overall productivity.
Ojukwu noted with great concern the harsh economic realities occasioned by the recent economic reforms. These have exacerbated poverty he lamented, rendering individuals vulnerable to preventive illnesses and deaths due to inadequate access to nutrition, and healthcare.
“While we commend the Federal Government for some of the initiatives so far taken to alleviate the economic hardship, we call for economic reforms that prioritize human dignity, social justice and the well-being of citizens. Nigerians deserves policies that ensure decent work, fair wages and access to essential services, which will enable them to live with dignity and hope for a better future” Ojukwu aid.
Continuing, the Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria said the Commission has observed reports indicating that law enforcement agencies have at some times suppressed peaceful protests, organized by citizens and workers who attempt to draw attention to their grievances. Such actions he said not only contravene the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but also stifle the democratic expression of concerns which is vital for national development.
Dr. Ojukwu used the platform of this commemoration to call on the Federal Government to engage more in constructive dialogue, as promised during the end bad governance protests, one that fosters open communication channels with labour unions and workers’ representatives to collaboratively address their concerns.
He also emphasised the need to ensure that law enforcement agencies respect and uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in all aspects of their lives including economic concerns.
The NHRC Boss further urged labour unions to adopt more proactive measures in advocating for workers’ rights as they serve as robust platforms for voicing workers’ concerns and negotiating better conditions on their behalf.
The Learned Silk reiterated the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian workers and ensuring that their voices are heard, respected, and acted upon, adding that the International Labour Day serves as a strong reminder of the invaluable contribution of the Nigerian Workers to National Development.
International Labour Day is celebrated annually on the 1st of May.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
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