The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced activities aimed at enabling greater access to justice for the poor and the indigent, including people living with HIV, drug addicts and others vulnerable persons.

At a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu SAN, said NHRC is collaborating with the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDA), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Federal Ministry of Justice, among other stakeholders to ensure that everyone plays their part.

He thanked Global Funds for its’ support through various interventions which he said have immensely enabled the Commission take bold steps with and impactful outcome in supporting persons living with HIV and others in need.

Ojukwu identified limited access to justice and lack of awareness as a major obstacle for vulnerable and impoverished individuals who cannot navigate complex legal processes without support.

He said the collaborative spirit of partners, under Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s human rights architecture for PLHIV and Key Populations.

He noted that in spite of the huge successes recorded, the landscape for Persons Living with HIV and key populations remains fraught with persistent challenges, including stigma and discrimination which he said, have continued to hinder access to health services, employment, education, and community life, thereby undermining dignity and equal treatment for many Nigerians.

Ojukwu said legal and institutional barriers, including criminalisation based on sexual orientation and identity, exacerbate exclusion and often lead to arbitrary arrests, torture, and cruel or degrading treatment.

According to Ojukwu, structural gaps in awareness, enforcement, and community-level protection persist, despite existing anti-discrimination laws such as the HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act (2014); adding that the challenges underscore why forums like this are indispensable — not simply as symbolic gatherings, but as strategic platforms for action, coordination, and justice-driven outcomes.

He listed some of the achievements recorded by the commission to include harmonised access to justice mechanism through the establishment of the Access to Justice Coordination Forum which has brought together justice sector actors, community networks, legal aid providers, and government institutions to ensure coordinated, responsive, and rights-based action.

He said that the platform fosters collaboration, accountability, and effective follow-through on justice cases involving PLHIV and key populations.

Ojukwu called for collective efforts and commitment to expanding access to justice for PLHIV and key populations as well as addressing stigma, discrimination, and exclusion in all forms. Strengthening legal frameworks and institutional responses to protect the rights and dignity of every Nigerian.

The theme of discussion was “Access to Justice: Outlook and Challenges for 2026 and Beyond.”

In his presentation, Hillary Ogbonna, Special Adviser to the NHRC Executive Secretary who doubles as Director, Human Rights Department, said drug addicts, People Living with HIV and others with similar conditions, are supposed to be treated as victims and therefore rehabilitated, rather than seen as offenders.

He called on wealthy Nigerians to key into the efforts of Commission to expand access to justice in the country, saying anybody can be a victim of injustice.

He identified international politics and policy shift in the United States and some other countries as one of the challenges faced by rights and advocacy institutions in recent years.

“A major challenge for the programming of protecting human rights for key populations and persons living with HIV in 2025 was the restriction of US Government funding. This impacted on the provision of services including medicines, capacity building and empowerment programmes for these most-at-risk communities. It is important to note that over dependence on development aid has stunted the growth of many African countries, especially in the health and social sectors.

“Perhaps this restriction by the US Government will open new opportunities for domestic resource mobilisations that will see respective African governments like Nigeria to invest in health and other human development sectors. National budgets should be made to work for the poor through social investments and accountable spendings. It should also provide opportunities for local philanthropy to double their efforts in funding development initiatives that supports poor and vulnerable populations,” Ogbonna said.

In a remark, Barrister Nkechi Agha who represented the NDLEA at the event, said while NDLEA works to investigate, uncover, arrest and prosecute big-time drug peddlers and barons behind the illegal trade, the Agency carries out counselling and rehabilitation of minor drug users.

Apolmida Haruna Tsammani from the Ministry of Justice, commended the NHRC for its various efforts on access to justice as well as other activities aimed at protecting the rights of citizens. She said the Ministry was ready at all times, to play its part to ensure that justice is made available to all citizens.

Others who spoke at the event include Dr. Femi Ajayi from United Nations Office for Drug and Crimes (UNODC), representatives of Society for Family Health, Lawyers Alert, UN Systems, NEPWHAN, DHRAN and UNICEF.