The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the establishment of a National Human Rights Fund to address persistent funding challenges that it says are undermining its ability to protect citizens’ rights and provide justice for victims of human rights violations.
The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN), made the call while receiving a delegation from the Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishments of Nigeria (APPMEN) during a courtesy visit.
Ojukwu said inadequate funding remains one of the biggest obstacles preventing the Commission from effectively carrying out its constitutional mandate, noting that increasing reports of human rights violations have placed additional pressure on its limited resources.
“Well, the government says the resources are not enough. So, lack of sufficient funds is a big challenge for us,” Ojukwu said.
According to him, the proposed National Human Rights Fund would serve as a financial buffer, ensuring that the Commission is not solely dependent on government budgetary allocations to perform its responsibilities.
“If we rely only on the budgetary allocations, the Commission is not going to work adequately. The government has the primary responsibility of providing the funds, but other Nigerians also can contribute to handling that aspect of the responsibility,” he stated.
Ojukwu explained that the initiative would create an avenue for philanthropists, corporate organisations and wealthy Nigerians to support the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
He cited prominent business leaders such as Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu as examples of individuals who could contribute to the proposed fund as part of their corporate social responsibility and commitment to national development.
The NHRC boss also advocated for the Commission to be included as one of the beneficiaries of the Development Fund created under the newly enacted Nigerian Tax Act, saying such a move would provide a more sustainable source of financing for the institution.
He stressed that strengthening the Commission’s financial capacity would enhance its ability to investigate allegations of rights abuses, provide legal remedies, compensate victims where necessary, and expand access to justice across Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, the National Coordinator of APPMEN, Chief Precious Enebuse, pledged the association’s support for the Commission’s activities, promising to leverage its media platforms to promote human rights awareness nationwide.
“As the umbrella body for private media owners and content creators, we are committed to using our platforms to amplify human rights values and support the Commission’s mandate across the country,” Enebuse said.
The visit highlighted the growing collaboration between the National Human Rights Commission and media stakeholders, with both parties expressing optimism that stronger partnerships and sustainable funding mechanisms would improve the protection and promotion of human rights in Nigeria.
