NHRC Pushes Indigenous Funding, Digital Reforms To Deepen Human Rights Protection

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, has disclosed ongoing efforts to secure sustainable local funding and strengthen institutional reforms aimed at improving access to justice and human rights protection across Nigeria.

Ojukwu made this known during a media interaction with LEADERSHIP reporters at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where he highlighted key initiatives being pursued to reposition the Commission for greater efficiency, independence and nationwide impact.

He explained that the Commission  was  currently advocating amendments to existing laws to establish a sustainable Human Rights Fund that would support compensation for victims of rights abuses, strengthen partnerships with civil society organisations, and reduce dependence on foreign donors.

According to him, the proposed funding structure would create a more reliable domestic support system for human rights activities in the country.

“While appreciating the efforts of our external partners, we are also looking at an indigenous funding model that Nigerians can rely on. It is important that institutions responsible for protecting citizens are adequately supported to carry out their responsibilities effectively,” he said.

The NHRC boss noted that the Commission had previously proposed amendments to its establishing law to provide for the fund. Still, the initiative did not scale through at the time due to wider fiscal policy considerations.

He, however, expressed optimism that renewed engagement with the National Assembly would yield positive outcomes, especially as lawmakers have shown interest in broadening access to development-related funding mechanisms.

Ojukwu stressed that beyond funding, the Commission has continued to expand its presence nationwide to ensure more Nigerians have access to human rights protection and complaint mechanisms.

He revealed that the Commission, which previously lacked offices in several states, now operates across the 36 states of the federation, though challenges relating to infrastructure and workforce persist.

According to him, the Commission currently handles nearly three million complaints annually, a development he attributed to increased public awareness and confidence in the institution.

To address the growing workload, he said the NHRC has intensified efforts to digitise its operations by equipping staff with digital tools and improving communication systems between state offices and the headquarters.

“We are moving gradually towards a more technology-driven system because the volume of complaints we receive today cannot be effectively managed manually,” he stated.

Ojukwu also underscored the importance of strategic collaboration with the media, describing journalists as critical partners in promoting public awareness and advancing accountability.

He commended LEADERSHIP Newspapers for its consistent engagement with issues affecting governance and human rights, noting that constructive journalism remains essential to democratic development.

The senior advocate further reiterated the Commission’s commitment to institutional continuity and professionalism, advocating a system that encourages leadership succession from within the organisation to preserve institutional memory and strengthen long-term reforms.

He added that, despite operational challenges, the Commission remains focused on building a stronger, more responsive institution capable of protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerians.