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NHRC urges NASS to pass bill on Safety, Security, Violence-Free Schools, commends FG on SFP, SSI, CPIMS programmes
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has said that the passage of the bill on National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, would help to ensure overall wellbeing of children in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the observation and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the legislation, noting that the policy would provide a framework for ensuring that schools are not only safe but become conducive environment where children can learn and thrive, without fear of violence or abuse.
Ojukwu who was speaking on the occasion of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of child abuse and exploitation, including poverty, insecurity, and lack of access to education.
The day which is commemorated every 4th of June is dedicated to acknowledge the pain suffered by children worldwide who are victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. In Nigeria, the day holds significant importance due to the country’s struggle with child abuse, exploitation and violence.
According to a statement signed by Hajia Fatima Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, the NHRC boss also called on the government to strengthen the implementation of the Child Rights Act and other relevant laws to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. This, he said, includes providing adequate support to IDP camps, ensuring access to quality education and healthcare, and addressing the root causes of poverty and insecurity that lead to child exploitation.
According to Dr. Ojukwu, millions of Nigerian children face emotional, physical, sexual, and mental abuse, with many being displaced due to conflicts and made vulnerable to exploitation. He noted that the North East region has been severely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, leading to a significant increase in child rights violations. The sit at home policy in the South East has robbed many innocent children the rights to adequate education.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of the Country expressed deep concern over the plight of children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, who are often forced to beg for survival, exposing them to further exploitation and abuse. He highlighted the psychological impact of these experiences on children which affect their development and future prospects.
Despite these challenges, the Senior Human Rights Advocate noted that Nigeria has made notable strides in protecting children’s rights. He cited the School Feeding Programme, Safe School Initiative and the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) as examples of efforts to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for children as well as track and respond to child protection issues.
The NHRC Boss urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the legislation on the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools. He emphasized that this policy would provide a framework for ensuring that schools are safe and secure environments where children can learn and thrive without fear of violence or abuse.
Dr. Ojukwu also called on the government to strengthen the implementation of the Child Rights Act and other relevant laws to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. This, he said, includes providing adequate support to IDP camps, ensuring access to quality education and healthcare, and addressing the root causes of poverty and insecurity that lead to child exploitation.
He stressed the need for collective action by stakeholders to protect the rights and dignity of all children, ensuring their well-being and safety.
According to him, “working together, will create a society where children are valued, respected, and protected from all forms of violence and abuse”.
In this regard, he called for a concerted effort to address the problem of Almajiri children in the country, whose right to education and protection from abuse and exploitation have been put in jeopardy in the country.
….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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