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.
Punch/Odunayo Ishola
