News
NHRC boss, Ojukwu says poverty is a barrier to enjoyment of human rights
The Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR,SAN, has called on government and relevant stakeholders to join hands to eradicate poverty in the country, describing Poverty as a significant barrier that hampers the realization of fundamental human rights, such as the right to adequate standard of living, health, and education, among others.
Dr. Ojukwu who made this statement in commemoration of the International Day for Eradication of Poverty which comes up on the 17th of October every year, said “Poverty continues to be a pervasive issue in Nigeria, affecting a substantial portion of the population”. According to him, poverty limits individuals’ access to basic necessities of life which are essential components of the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Mrs Agarese Arase, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have emphasised that, addressing poverty is a fundamental aspect of the human rights agenda, and concerted efforts are required at all levels of government to alleviate its effects on the citizens.
In the context of poverty and its impact on human rights, Ojukwu noted that the recent removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria has added a significant burden to the common man. He said “the Commission recognizes that the removal of fuel subsidy is a complex and challenging economic decision, but it has had a detrimental effect on the lives of many Nigerians”.
Stating further, Ojukwu said the removal of fuel subsidy has led to a sharp increase in the cost of living, including transportation and food prices. This has resulted in financial strain and has reduced the ability of individuals and families to access basic services.
According to the Learned Silk, the Commission acknowledges the need for economic reforms, but “we call upon the government to consider the human rights implications of such decisions and ensure that they do not disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in our society”.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NHRC called for more comprehensive social safety nets to be urgently put in place to mitigate the immediate impact of the subsidy removal on the common man. “The government must also intensify efforts in implementing programs that alleviate poverty and ensure that the basic human rights of every Nigerian are upheld”.
The Chief Human Rights Officer urged the government to Prioritize and implement policies that directly address poverty, ensuring that the most vulnerable in society are protected and supported.
He also called on the government to ensure that further economic reforms, take into account the potential human rights impact and work to mitigate adverse effects on the common man.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria reiterated that the Commission under his watch will remain committed to monitoring the human rights situation in Nigeria and working with stakeholders to protect and promote the fundamental rights and dignity of every person.
“Poverty and its impact on human rights are issues of utmost concern, and the NHRC stands ready to advocate for the rights of every person living in Nigeria” Ojukwu added. Governmental massive investment on transport and road infrastructure, food production and industrialization will provide lasting solutions to the poverty effects of fuel subsidy removal, he further elaborated
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.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has revealed that it investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the commission observed large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.
“I said who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.
“So they said this one pastor of streams of joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC boss said he subsequently invited Eze for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled by investigators.
He added that upon meeting the cleric and reviewing the findings of the investigation, the commission found no wrongdoing.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people, and all of that.
“I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.
The remark drew applause from the audience, as Eze, who was present at the event, acknowledged the commendation.
He noted that the commission has a responsibility not only to investigate financial crimes but also to recognise individuals found to have acted with integrity.
The EFCC chairman, however, stated that the agency would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary, stressing that its preventive mandate remains critical in tackling corruption.
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