Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the National Assembly to take urgent legislative action to protect and promote human rights in the country, amid growing concerns over repression, insecurity, and shrinking civic space.
Speaking at the first-ever membership Annual General Meeting of the organisation in Abuja on Friday, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), expressed concern over the deteriorating state of human rights and persistent abuses across Nigeria.
“Freedom of expression remains under threat.
“Journalists, human rights defenders, and digital activists are regularly harassed, intimidated, and arbitrarily detained simply for exercising their right to speak out.
The right to peaceful assembly is also under sustained attack,” Rafsanjani said.
He stressed that while civil society continues to advocate for reforms, it is the duty of the National Assembly to enact a robust legislative framework that not only protects citizens’ rights but also addresses long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s human rights architecture.
“We call on the National Assembly to provide a legislative framework that strengthens human rights protections and addresses existing gaps,” he stated.
Rafsanjani also announced plans for deeper collaboration with Amnesty International Ghana and other West African branches to strengthen regional advocacy, particularly through ECOWAS.
“This historic AGM provides a platform for reflection, dialogue, and forward-looking action.
We are committed to ensuring our work is grounded in the realities of Nigeria’s human rights landscape while inspiring change across the region,” he said.
In his remarks, the organisation’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, charged the government to fulfil its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the rights and dignity of its citizens.
“What we expect from the government is simple: respect the Constitution, respect Nigerian and international laws, and protect human rights.
“It is not our job to protect human rights, that duty lies with the government.
“But we will continue to hold them accountable,” Sanusi said.
Sanusi criticised the government’s track record, drawing parallels with past administrations.
He said, “We still see police brutality, unlawful killings, and rising insecurity. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Nigerians have lost their lives in the past one to two years. Things are not getting better.
“We remain on the side of hope.
“We believe things can and must improve, but only if those in power are willing to act responsibly and uphold the rule of law.”
