The House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, has acknowledged the need for improved funding for National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, to enable it achieve its statutory responsibility of ensuring the protection of rights of citizens of Nigeria and other nationals living in the country.

The Committee therefore pledged to support the passage of the Commission’s 2026 proposed budget and commended its numerous achievements, especially  2025 budget performance, describing it as impactful despite significant fiscal constraints and a complex human rights landscape.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Peter Abiola Makinde, states these during the Commission’s 2025 budget defence and presentation of its 2026 appropriation proposal. He acknowledged that, amid rising human rights concerns, including challenges affecting freedom of religion and other fundamental freedoms, the Commission sustained measurable progress in fulfilling its statutory mandate.

Hon. Makinde particularly noted the Commission’s ability to maintain transparency and public engagement through its Human Rights Dashboard, which provides regular updates on complaints and interventions. He assured the NHRC of the National Assembly’s continued collaboration, emphasizing the legislature’s responsibility to strengthen institutions that safeguard citizens’ rights.

Presenting the Commission’s report, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, expressed appreciation for the Committee’s support, which he said enabled the NHRC to implement most of its planned programmes and interventions in 2025.

Dr. Ojukwu disclosed that the Commission recorded over 3.7 million complaints in 2025, reflecting both increased public trust and the growing demand for rights protection. He explained that the upward trend in complaints necessitates greater investment in complaint handling, investigation, and redress mechanisms in the coming year.

The Executive Secretary also underscored the importance of institutional independence in line with the Paris Principles, which require National Human Rights Institutions to operate autonomously. He revealed that the Commission constructed eight state offices since he assumed office to deepen access to justice at the sub national level and plans to build twenty four additional offices in 2026. He further highlighted the urgent need to expand and renovate the Commission’s headquarters, noting that staff strength has tripled since 2007.

For the 2026 fiscal year, the Executive Secretary presented a proposed budget of ₦20 billion, with 33.67 percent allocated to personnel and overhead costs, and 66.33 percent earmarked for capital expenditure, demonstrating a strategic focus on infrastructure, operational expansion, and improved service delivery.

In response, the Committee expressed its readiness to support the proposed budget, while urging the Commission to consolidate its gains and continue advancing the protection and promotion of human rights across Nigeria.