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National Human Rights Commission warns Anambra, Edo govts on rights of accused persons to fair hearing, cautions NAFDAC over death sentence proposal
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has warned Edo and Anambra State governments to ensure that rights of citizens as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution are respected in the implementation of the laws they enacted on security and others areas. The Commission said detention and trial of such accused persons must conform with international standards.
Dr. Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Executive Secretary of the Commission, gave the warning in Abuja on Wednesday, during the presentation of the February edition of the Commission’s monthly Dashboard on human rights monitoring and other activities in Nigeria which was presented by Hillary Ogbonna, Senior Human Rights Adviser at the Commission.
Ojukwu said- “February also witnessed the enactment of several laws with significant human rights implications. We saw the Edo State Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025, and the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2025. These laws promote severe penalties, including the death penalty, for individuals involved in cultism, kidnapping, particularly those linked to ritualistic activities.
“While we understand the sentiments and the need for strong measures against such heinous acts, it is crucial to ensure that the rights of the accused are upheld, and that justice is administered in a manner consistent with international human rights standards.
Ojukwu also drew the attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) on the dangers of its campaign for death sentence against drug offenders, saying there must be a balance between he proposed penalty and human rights.
“Additionally, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) proposed death penalty on counterfeit drugs continues to raise concerns regarding the balance between punishment and human rights and lamented several tragic occurrences in some parts of the country while calling on relevant authorities to end he recurring circle of violence affecting he citizens.
“This month, we also report on a number of tragic events that have deeply affected communities across Nigeria. In Delta State, two boats conveying burial guests collided and capsized, resulting in the loss of lives. The herder-related violence in Benue and Niger States continues to wreak havoc, with numerous communities being attacked and displaced. The situation in these states calls for a swift and coordinated response from both state and federal authorities to bring an end to the cycle of violence. Furthermore, the discovery of three young children who tragically lost their lives in a freezer in Anambra State has shocked the nation. This incident underscores the importance of child protection, and we urge relevant authorities to intensify efforts to prevent such atrocities from recurring.
“We continue to witness an alarming rise in cult-related violence in the South-South region. The frequency of cult clashes is escalating, creating an environment of fear and insecurity for ordinary citizens. It is imperative that state and federal law enforcement agencies respond decisively to dismantle these criminal organizations and restore peace to affected communities.
“The disturbing trend of child abandonment remains largely unaddressed with an upsurge in reported cases to our offices. In a bid to support our work as frontline human rights defenders in dealing with issues of women and children, the NHRC has approved a Child Safeguarding Policy. The he Policy is aimed at protection of children and young persons who use the services of the NHRC from harm and ensure they are treated with dignity and their human rights protected,” the Chief Human Rights Officer stated.
According to Ojukwu, NHRC received a total of 205,364 complaints in February which he said underscored the ongoing challenges in securing human rights for all Nigerians, noting that security personnels have continued to violate rights of citizens, despite efforts to address the menace.
“Notably, violations involving state actors continue to top the list, which remains a grave concern. Despite our collective efforts, there are still instances where those entrusted with enforcing the law end up being perpetrators of violations themselves. This reality calls for a renewed emphasis on accountability, particularly within law enforcement agencies. The use of power must always align with human rights standards, and any abuses must be swiftly addressed. In addition to this, we have observed troubling trends in the violations of economic, social, and cultural rights. These rights, which are fundamental to human dignity, continue to be overlooked in several parts of our country. Access to basic necessities such as food, housing, healthcare, and education remains a challenge for far too many. We must take urgent steps to address these disparities and work toward policies that ensure equitable access for all Nigerians.
The NHRC boss said that in spite of challenges faced by the Commission and its staff, they would continue to pursue the goal of securing the rights of Nigerians and other nationals living in the country, adding that the Dashboard was not an end in itself, but aimed at creating awareness and to serve as wakeup call for all stakeholders to play their parts in the fight against human rights violations.
“I must reiterate that our work at the National Human Rights Commission does not end with the publication of this dashboard. Rather, it is a call to action. We have noticed recently the use of our dashboard information and statistics at state level by political actors. We understand the emotions that may arise when states are faced with the realities of the information relating to their states. We welcome every debate and continue to call on states government to study the dashboard carefully and take actions aimed at addressing the challenges highlighted by the Commission. The dashboard is merely a starting point, a tool to provoke dialogue, and inspire concrete steps toward solutions. We must continue working with government agencies, civil society, international partners, and communities to address these violations and find lasting solutions.
“I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their continued support. Additionally, I extend my appreciation to our tireless staff members across the country, the media, and all our stakeholders whose contributions continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of Nigerians,” he stated.
….Writes NMDPRA, Engages Marketers to Stabilise Fuel Market
Photo caption: L R: Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Vishwajit Sinha; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.
“In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day,” Dangote said.
Photo caption: L R: President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.
Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.
“Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector,” he added.
He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic development.
During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Dangote’s leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.
She described the South-South region as Nigeria’s natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters. She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.
Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Government’s energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.
“As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sector–led growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Group’s expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing,” she said.
In a letter from the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authority’s support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.
“In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media),” Bird stated. “We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies”.
By Bonaventure Phillips Melah
Photo caption: L R: Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Vishwajit Sinha; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.
“In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day,” Dangote said.
Photo caption: LR: President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.
Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.
“Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector,” he added.
He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic development.
During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Dangote’s leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.
She described the South-South region as Nigeria’s natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters. She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.
Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Government’s energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.
“As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sector–led growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Group’s expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing,” she said.
In a letter from the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authority’s support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.
“In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media),” Bird stated. “We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies”.
Some women in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Saturday, staged a protest over the alleged kidnap of five residents and the shooting of another during an attack on the community.
The protesters, who marched through major parts of the community, said the incident had heightened fear and insecurity in the area.
One victim of the attack is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
A social media influencer, ‘Sen.’ Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, made this known via Facebook on Saturday.
Ugwuanyi revealed that resident who confirmed the incident said recent cases of abductions and shootings had left the community unsafe, prompting the women to demand urgent government intervention.
In a video shared on Ugwuanyi’s Facebook page, the protesters called on the Enugu State Government and security agencies to step in and restore peace, warning that residents could no longer live under constant fear of attacks.
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