The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged governments, security agencies and public institutions to make human rights, equality and justice central to Nigeria’s efforts to achieve lasting stability and shared prosperity.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN), made the call in a statement marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.

Ojukwu said the success of the country’s economic reforms should not be measured only by economic growth, but also by their impact on the lives, rights and dignity of ordinary Nigerians.

He called for stronger social protection programmes, improved access to basic services and policies that protect vulnerable groups from bearing a disproportionate share of economic hardship.

The NHRC boss also urged security and law enforcement agencies to uphold professionalism and accountability while respecting fundamental rights, stressing that national security and human rights protection should go hand in hand.

He further called for a stronger rule of law and an independent and effective justice system that guarantees access to justice, particularly for poor people, persons with disabilities, women, children and internally displaced persons.

Ojukwu urged public institutions to build greater public trust through transparency, accountability and responsive governance, while calling on citizens to promote peaceful coexistence and respect for the rights of others.

He also acknowledged the role of civil society organisations, the media and human rights defenders in strengthening democracy, accountability and fundamental freedoms.

The NHRC Executive Secretary said achieving lasting stability would require more than economic transformation, stressing the need for a Nigeria where citizens enjoy equal protection under the law, access to justice, dignity and meaningful opportunities to contribute to national development.