NHRC, Citizen FM call adherence to human rights principles

The National Human Rights Commission, in collaboration with Citizen FM, has called for stronger adherence to human rights principles and accountable governance at its 30th national conference on “Proportional Force and Respect for Human Dignity.”

The event which was held in Abuja, brought together government institutions, security agencies, civil society, legal practitioners, and development partners to discuss integrating human rights principles into law enforcement and governance.

Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, while highlighting the importance of dialogue and accountability in security operations, noted that governance requires platforms where stakeholders can discuss challenges openly.

He said: “Dialogue in governance means creating platforms where the military, law enforcement agencies, MDAs, civil society, legal practitioners, academics, and citizens can sit together to examine the challenges of security and human rights.

“Such engagements foster understanding, build trust, and enable governance systems that are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of citizens.”

He further stressed the need to balance operational necessity with human rights in the use of force.

“This dialogue seeks to examine how the principles of proportionality and respect for human dignity can be more effectively integrated into the daily practices of our security and law enforcement architecture.

“In situations of insecurity, terrorism, or armed conflict, it is imperative that security personnel apply force only to the extent necessary to achieve lawful objectives, while ensuring that the inherent worth and dignity of every individual are upheld at all times. This is not merely a legal requirement, but a moral obligation that strengthens the legitimacy of our security institutions.”

Ojukwu further explained that Nigeria’s legal frameworks provide clear guidance for security operations to ensure compliance with both national and international obligations.

He said: “These frameworks provide a unified standard across Nigeria’s security and law enforcement institutions, ensuring that both military and police operations are consistent with Nigeria’s constitutional and treaty obligations. They include the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and the dignity of the human person; the Armed Forces Act and the Police Act, which guide operational conduct; as well as international humanitarian law provisions such as the Geneva Conventions. Together, these laws and regulations create a strong foundation for ethical, lawful, and accountable security operations.”

He also warned against disproportionate or excessive force, stressing the need to prevent torture or cruel treatment.

He said: “Since disproportionate force is sometimes targeted to result in infliction of harm, whether physical, psychological, or emotional, there is need to be circumspect on force applied in response to the security situation at hand, as which is not permitted under any circumstances. Disproportionate or excessive force can quickly escalate to torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, which is prohibited under national law, including the Constitution and the Anti-Torture Act, as well as international conventions to which Nigeria is a party.

He urged that security officer must act right, stating that: “Security officers must always act in good faith, ensuring that their responses are necessary, proportionate, and fully accountable, so that the rights and dignity of every individual are respected at all times.”

Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Prof. Dakas C.J. Dakas, emphasized that dialogue, proportionality, and respect for human dignity strengthen both law enforcement and citizen trust.

He said: “Dialogue, I believe, allows citizens and the law enforcement community to understand one another, to resolve conflicts early, and to uphold justice in a manner that is mutually reinforcing. Dialogue is not a sign of weakness. Indeed, dialogue is a tool of strength. And if we acknowledge that dialogue is a tool of strength, then we can see dialogue as a pathway towards reconciliation and the foundation for better law enforcement and better citizenship.”

He noted that proportionate use of force not only protects citizens but also ensures officer safety and institutional legitimacy.

“A proportional use of force framework that is human rights compliant reduces unnecessary harm, enhances officer safety, strengthens public cooperation, upholds constitutional values, and builds long-term legitimacy for law enforcement institutions. Using force in a manner that is proportionate is not only human rights compliant, not only for the benefit of citizens, but it is also for the protection of the officers themselves,” he said.

Dakas further highlighted that respect for human dignity is a core governance principle that fosters citizen partnership in peacebuilding.

“Human dignity is at the core of our conversation this morning. Respect for human dignity is more than a principle. Indeed, it is a governance imperative and it’s at the heart of human rights. A citizen who feels respected by security agencies becomes a partner in peace building,we must be very deliberate and intentional about safeguarding dignity, because when we do so, we affirm that every Nigerian life matters, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or social class,” he said.

Reflecting on past crises, he stressed that mismanaged use of force erodes public trust and state authority.

“What it demonstrated is that when the use of force is not governed by strict necessity, proportionality, and professionalism, public trust collapses and the state loses its moral authority. The lessons are clear: force must be the last resort, and the law enforcement community must assess the nature of gatherings, the conduct of participants, the level of threat posed, and whether there are less harmful alternatives,” he said.

Alh. Najeem Jimoh, Executive Chairman of Citizen FM, underlined that human dignity is inherent to every individual and must guide law enforcement operations.

“Every nation that seeks peace must equally seek justice. And justice begins with acknowledging that every person regardless of social status, occupation, tribe, or belief possesses inherent dignity. This dignity is not granted by government, and it cannot be taken away by the state. For our law enforcement institutions, the use of force must always reflect this principle. Proportionality does not undermine their work; it elevates it,” he said.

He highlighted proportional force as essential for building trust between citizens and security agencies.

“We know the reality: security challenges in Nigeria are complex and, at times, overwhelming. Our officers and agencies work under enormous pressure, and many do so with courage and integrity. But in the midst of that reality, proportional force becomes the bridge, the bridge that protects citizens while also protecting the integrity and public trust our security institutions depend on,” he said.

Jimoh also emphasized that dialogue in governance reduces suspicion and positions citizens as partners in national safety.

“Dialogue brings down walls. Dialogue replaces suspicion with understanding. It helps us see one another not as adversaries, but as stakeholders in a shared pursuit: a safer, fairer, and more humane Nigeria. Citizen FM is deeply proud to collaborate with the National Human Rights Commission on this event. We see ourselves as a bridge between the people and the institutions that serve them,” he said.

He noted that by celebrating the NHRC’s milestone and honoring human rights defenders. “This year, the National Human Rights Commission marks its 30th anniversary three decades of promoting, defending, and protecting the rights of Nigerians. We congratulate the Commission and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening this partnership for many more years to come. Tonight’s celebration is our way of saying: Nigeria sees you, values you, and stands with you,” he said.

The conference emphasized that proportional use of force and respect for human dignity are fundamental governance issues that shape public trust, democratic legitimacy, and societal cohesion.