The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and Amnesty International have called for enhanced accountability, protection of citizens' rights, and improved grassroots advocacy to combat human rights violations in Nigeria.
HEDA's Call for Accountability
In a statement, HEDA urged the protection of citizens against abuse of power, selective enforcement, and unethical conduct by public officials. The group emphasized that fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law are fundamental to effective anti-corruption governance. HEDA commended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, for demonstrating a commitment to institutional integrity through disciplinary actions against officials implicated in misconduct and corrupt practices.
The statement, signed by HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju, described the dismissal of EFCC prosecutor Samuel Chime and others over bribery and sabotage allegations as a bold step toward strengthening public confidence in the anti-graft agency. “Holding public officers accountable, regardless of their position, is essential to preserving the credibility of anti-corruption institutions. The action taken by the EFCC leadership sends a strong signal that misconduct and abuse of office will not be tolerated within the Commission,” the statement said.
Amnesty International's Grassroots Advocacy
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called for greater use of data and grassroots advocacy in addressing human rights violations in Nigeria. The organization insisted that citizens, institutions, and governments must collaborate to strengthen accountability and protect vulnerable communities. This call was made in Calabar during a two-day capacity-building workshop for human rights defenders under its pilot project in Cross River, Kano, and Bauchi states.
Amnesty International's Programmes Manager, Barbara Magaji, said the initiative aimed to equip volunteers and social media influencers with skills to promote human rights awareness, document violations, and engage authorities for redress. She noted that many human rights abuses occur in remote communities where victims have limited access to justice, making it necessary to build a network of trained advocates capable of responding at the grassroots level. “We want people to become conscious of their rights, understand how to respond when violations occur, and know how to hold institutions accountable. Human rights violations happen in communities, not just in state capitals, and people must be empowered to act,” she said.
Magaji explained that participants were selected through an application process and had undergone virtual sessions before the physical training. Participants are expected to undertake advocacy projects addressing specific human rights concerns in their communities. Issues such as restrictions on freedom of expression, attacks on journalists, and challenges in healthcare and education could form the basis of these campaigns.
