(SINL NIGERIA) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its total commitment to working with all stakeholders to make human rights the foundation of drug laws, detention practices and systems of justice.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) gave the assurance in a keynote statement to commemorate the United Nations International Day in support of victims of torture and the 2025 world drug day held on Thursday.
The theme of this year, “Protecting Dignity, Advancing Justice: A Joint Dialogue on Drug Policy Reform and Torture Prevention in Nigeria,” a commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Day and the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, according to Ojukwu is not merely a convergence of agendas; “it is a profound declaration of our shared humanity and an urgent call to action”.
He emphasized that the National Human Rights Commission holds the themes of the dialogue not just as mandates, but as the very bedrock of a just society.
The executive Secretary, noted that the road ahead is challenging, long, and arduous, saying “with our collective, unwavering commitment to human dignity, guided by evidence and propelled by empathy, we can and we must protect dignity and advance justice for all Nigerians”.
He explained that Accountability for perpetrators of torture, through robust investigations and prosecutions, is a non-negotiable component of justice, for victims and for society.
He added that in Nigeria, as elsewhere, the allegations of torture and ill-treatment of individuals suspected of drug offences, particularly within the confines of detention facilities, remain a profound stain on national conscience.
Consequently, Ojukwu said the National Human Rights Commission, through its unwavering mandate and the vital work of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), stands as a vigilant guardian.
He said “Nigeria’s drug use prevalence is higher than the global average, yet access to treatment and harm reduction services remains among the lowest in Africa.
“Drug-related incarceration is overwhelmingly composed of non-violent, low-level offences.
“Torture remains widespread, particularly in drug-related arrests and pre-trial detention.
“Legal safeguards against torture and arbitrary detention are routinely ignored”.
Additionally, he said the commission’s Policy Brief lays out clear recommendations for drug decriminalisation, investment in harm reduction, and accountability mechanisms to protect the rights of persons who use drugs. “It represents a vision for a more humane and just Nigeria”.
He stated “let this day mark not only remembrance, but redirection. Not only commemoration, but commitment”.
In a goodwill message, The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche said the service finds the dialogue a gemane discourse “because we house drug offenders in droves; hence it speaks to the core of our mandate. Once more, I wish to salute this giant stride of the convener, and to assure you of our unwavering commitment and support as a partner in human rights ecosystem”.
The Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Barrister Funke Adeoye applauded NHRC for unwavering advancing human rights advocacy, stressing that the Commission has consistently pushed evidently based human rights violations.
She said “We support survivals of torture, we must ensure full enforcement of anti torture law. Let today serve as Renewed call for action”.
Meanwhile, Senior Human Rights Adviser, office of the UN High Commission for Human Rights, Adwoa Kufour commended the Nigerian government and NHRC and canvassed for resources for National Preventative Mechanism (NPM) for optimal performance.
Highlight of the dialogue was the presentation of policy briefs by the NHRC.
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