National Human Rights Commission issues warnings on elections and climate policy

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued warnings regarding two critical areas of concern in Nigeria: upcoming political activities and the impact of climate change.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu cautioned political actors to respect fundamental liberties and adhere to established rules. The commission aims to prevent historical patterns of voter intimidation, physical violence, and suppression of free speech. By utilizing monthly reports, the NHRC intends to monitor the human rights landscape and hold offenders accountable as political tensions rise.

Separately, the NHRC is calling for the mainstreaming of human rights into Nigeria’s climate change policies. During a training session held in collaboration with the Danish Institute of Human Rights, Ojukwu noted that environmental changes, such as flooding and extreme temperatures, directly threaten the rights to life, health, and food security. The commission is urging the government to involve human rights experts in climate planning and to review national policies to ensure human rights considerations are integrated into all climate interventions.