The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to demonstrate genuine commitment to protecting and fulfilling citizens’ human rights, warning that millions of Nigerians are still denied basic necessities required to live in dignity.
In a statement issued to mark Human Rights Day 2025, celebrated under the theme “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” the Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the theme serves as a reminder that human rights are not abstract ideals but practical needs essential to daily life.
“This theme is a powerful reminder that human rights are not abstract ideals reserved for speeches and annual observances. They are the practical, everyday essentials that enable people to live in dignity, access to clean water, food, healthcare, housing, education, justice, and freedom of expression,” Nwanguma said.
He described human rights as the foundation of a peaceful, just and inclusive society, but lamented that in Nigeria, governance failures, systemic corruption, widespread insecurity and a growing humanitarian crisis have placed these rights beyond the reach of millions.
“Basic rights meant to be guaranteed by the Nigerian state have become privileges accessible only to the wealthy, well-connected, or powerful,” he said.
RULAAC noted that despite Nigeria being a signatory to multiple regional and international human rights instruments, the lived experiences of citizens continue to contradict these commitments.
According to the organisation, many Nigerians lack access to clean and safe water, functional healthcare services and quality education, while insecurity and repression continue to undermine safety and freedom of expression.
The statement highlighted persistent challenges such as contaminated water sources in many communities, the collapse of primary healthcare systems, rising numbers of out-of-school children, and harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrest of journalists, activists and citizens for expressing dissenting views. It also cited police brutality, extrajudicial killings, kidnappings and communal violence as evidence of the state’s failure to protect lives and ensure justice.
“These persistent violations highlight a governance system that is failing to prioritise human dignity,” Nwanguma said.
To align national actions with the 2025 Human Rights Day theme, RULAAC urged the government to prioritise basic social services through transparent budgeting, guarantee freedom of expression and civic participation, end impunity within law enforcement agencies, and adopt rights-respecting strategies to address insecurity. The organisation also called for stronger anti-corruption measures and improved protection for vulnerable groups, including children, women, persons with disabilities, displaced persons and the poor.
Nwanguma stressed that human rights must be central to governance, noting that access to water, healthcare, education, justice and freedom is not an act of charity but a constitutional obligation.
“Nigeria cannot continue to pledge allegiance to human rights abroad while violating or neglecting them at home,” he said.
RULAAC reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring and challenging human rights violations, supporting victims, promoting police accountability and advocating for a Nigeria where human rights are a lived reality for every citizen.
“Human rights are our everyday essentials and the foundation upon which Nigeria’s peace, justice, and development must be built,” the statement concluded.
