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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over the alarming number of road fatalities in Nigeria, revealing that approximately 1,471 deaths were recorded in the first quarter of 2024, according to reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Speaking during the 8th edition of the Monthly Human Rights Dashboard in Abuja on Tuesday, the NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), emphasized the urgent need for the government and FRSC to implement sustainable measures to ensure the safety of Nigerian roads and protect motorists from preventable deaths.
Ojukwu remarked, “A major issue we are highlighting today is the tragic loss of lives due to road accidents, which severely undermines the enjoyment of human rights for many families. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Bureau of Statistics, approximately 1,471 individuals have been killed from road crashes in the first quarter of 2024 alone.”
In addition to road safety concerns, Ojukwu also addressed the excessive use of force by police during protests, particularly referencing the #EndBadGovernance and #FearlessInOctober demonstrations. He condemned the use of tear gas and other forceful measures by security personnel, describing these actions as serious violations of the fundamental human rights of citizens.
“The excessive force used against protesters is a grave violation of human rights. Citizens must be allowed to express their concerns without fear of violence or intimidation,” Ojukwu noted.
The NHRC’s September dashboard also recorded a significant rise in human rights complaints, with 305,300 cases filed with the Commission in just one month. Ojukwu stressed that these figures reflect the urgent need for continued advocacy and action to address the growing human rights concerns across the country.
“Each complaint represents a person whose rights and dignity are at stake. We must approach our work with compassion and resolve, ensuring that we are not only identifying issues but also actively seeking solutions for every individual in Nigeria to enjoy the full spectrum of their human rights, free from fear and oppression,” Ojukwu said.
He called on stakeholders, including the media, to maintain their advocacy for the protection of vulnerable groups, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in advancing justice and human rights across Nigeria.
Ojukwu also acknowledged the support of international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in promoting transparency and accountability through the Commission’s monthly dashboard, which has become a vital tool in addressing human rights violations.
