Rising concerns over human rights abuses have prompted fresh calls for urgent legislative action in Nigeria.
At a recent gathering in Abuja, Amnesty International Nigeria appealed to lawmakers to tackle human rights challenges with decisive legislation.
Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the National Assembly to take immediate and decisive legislative action to strengthen human rights protections in the country. The appeal comes amid increasing concerns over the shrinking civic space, widespread insecurity, and continued repression of voices critical of the government.
The call was made during the organization’s maiden Membership Annual General Meeting, held in Abuja on Friday. Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Chairman of Amnesty’s Board of Trustees, decried the worsening state of human rights across Nigeria and emphasized the need for urgent reforms.
“Freedom of expression is still under siege in Nigeria,” Rafsanjani said. “Journalists, activists, and defenders of human rights are often harassed, intimidated, or detained without cause simply for speaking out or holding the government to account. The right to peaceful protest is also constantly violated.”
Rafsanjani said it is time for lawmakers to step up and fulfil their constitutional mandate by crafting a legal framework that safeguards the fundamental rights of Nigerians. According to him, while civil society organizations continue to demand accountability and reforms, it is the responsibility of the National Assembly to institutionalize those efforts through appropriate legislation.
“We urge the National Assembly to provide a comprehensive and effective legislative foundation that will address the persistent gaps in Nigeria’s human rights system,” he stated.
He also revealed plans for greater regional collaboration. Amnesty International Nigeria, he said, will be partnering more closely with sister organizations in Ghana and other West African countries to boost human rights advocacy within the ECOWAS region.
“This first-ever AGM is not only historic but timely. It offers us a moment to reflect, evaluate our strategy, and reinforce our commitment to championing human rights across Nigeria and West Africa,” Rafsanjani noted.
Echoing the same concerns, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, called on the federal government to live up to its constitutional obligation to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.
“What we ask from the government is straightforward: obey the Constitution, respect Nigerian laws, uphold international human rights standards, and act in the interest of the people,” Sanusi said.
He added that while Amnesty’s role is to hold authorities accountable, it is ultimately the government’s responsibility to ensure the protection of human rights. “That is their duty not ours,” he emphasized.
Sanusi expressed concern over the continued pattern of abuses, including police brutality, unlawful killings, and the pervasive sense of insecurity across the country. He noted that despite past promises, little progress has been made in protecting lives and ensuring justice for victims of human rights violations.
“Hundreds, possibly thousands, of Nigerians have been killed in the past one to two years due to insecurity and impunity. Unfortunately, we are still seeing a repeat of the same patterns under different administrations,” Sanusi lamented.
Nonetheless, he struck a note of optimism, saying Amnesty International remains hopeful that positive change is still possible. “We stand firm in our belief that Nigeria can become a country where rights are respected and justice prevails. But this can only happen if those in positions of power begin to take their responsibilities seriously and uphold the rule of law,” he concluded.
