In a world where democracy and human dignity are championed as cornerstones of modern society, Nigeria’s latest human rights report card tells a very different story. According to the recent evaluation by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI), Nigeria has scored alarmingly low in fundamental human rights categories, placing it in the “very bad” range—even compared to other Sub-Saharan African nations.
The Numbers That Matter
The HRMI report reveals the stark reality of everyday life for millions of Nigerians:
Right to food: 62.7%
Right to health: 47.9%
Right to housing: 37.1%
Right to work: 40.0%
Right to education: 5.5% (shockingly low)
These figures indicate that despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria is failing to provide its citizens with access to the most basic human needs and rights.
The Dark Shadow of Arbitrary Arrests
One of the gravest concerns highlighted in the report is the routine violation of civil liberties—especially in the area of arbitrary arrests and detentions.
Although Nigerian law mandates that detainees appear before a magistrate within 48 hours of arrest, many are held for extended periods without access to legal representation or family members. Some have been detained for weeks or even months without formal charges, often in deplorable conditions.
During last year’s #EndBadGovernance protests, more than 1,200 protestors were arrested, including children and teenagers. Some of them were charged with treason—a capital offense. The protests, intended to address corruption and poor governance, led to a flood of over 228,000 human rights complaints within just one month.
Journalism and Free Speech Under Siege
The report also uncovers a dangerous trend of silencing journalists and social media users. The Cybercrimes Act, initially created to combat digital threats, has become a weapon against dissent.
Recent examples include:
Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist arrested and held for 10 days without access to legal counsel.
Isaac Bristol, a commentator who mysteriously disappeared for weeks before it was discovered he had been detained under the Cybercrimes Act.
Numerous cases of Nigerian citizens arrested for simply criticizing the government or public officials on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter).
These tactics send a chilling message: in today’s Nigeria, free expression could cost you your freedom.
The Systemic Problems Behind the Crisis
What’s driving this human rights collapse? Several deep-rooted issues:
A weak judicial system: Courts are overburdened, underfunded, and often influenced by political interests.
Impunity among law enforcement: Officers routinely violate legal protocols with little to no accountability.
Abuse of legislative tools: The Cybercrimes Act and other vague laws are used to silence opposition and protest.
A Path Forward
It’s not all doom and gloom. Experts and advocates suggest several immediate actions that could help Nigeria reverse this worrying trend:
Judicial Reform: Recruit more judges, reduce delays, and ensure fair trials.
Cybercrimes Act Review: Narrow its application and protect free speech.
Empower Civil Society: Encourage NGOs and rights groups to monitor government behavior.
Enforce Accountability: Law enforcement officers who violate rights must be prosecuted.
CONCLUSION
Nigeria’s poor human rights rating is more than just numbers on a chart—it’s a reflection of real suffering, injustice, and lost potential. As one of Africa’s most influential nations, Nigeria must rise to the challenge and reform its institutions to truly serve its people.
The world is watching—and so are millions of Nigerians who deserve better.
