NHRC kicks against Lagos demolitions, Anambra market closure

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over the demolition of houses and eviction of residents in Lagos and Anambra States.

Dr. Tony Ojukwu SAN, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, said the actions could have major human rights implications.

He highlighted with concern the ongoing demolition of waterfront and informal settlements in Makoko, Lagos, which has left thousands of people without homes.

The position of Ojukwu was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed. Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages.

He lamented that the demolitions which are carried out without adequate notice, compensation, or resettlement plans, have left families homeless and livelihoods destroyed.

The Chief Human Rights Officer of the Federation emphasized that such actions contravened constitutional guarantees of dignity, housing, and family life as well as international human rights standards to which Nigeria is committed.

“The courts have issued pronouncements prohibiting forced evictions, yet these rulings are disregarded. This undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in governance,” Dr Ojukwu stated.

The Human Rights Boss insisted that development projects must never come at the expense of fundamental rights and called for an immediate halt to demolitions to pave way for meaningful consultation with affected communities and provision of adequate resettlement and compensation.

Similarly, while commending the Anambra State government for the decisive steps to stop the sit-at- home anomaly, Ojukwu said the Commission is troubled by the closure of Onitsha Main Market following traders’ compliance with the outlawed sit-at-home directive.

While both the government and the Commission see the sit-at-home directive as illegal and an economic sabotage, the Commission advised that collective punishment of traders through market closures raised questions about the right to livelihood, freedom of movement, and due process.

The Human Rights Advocate expressed worries that the economic impact of the sit-at-home is staggering, with the Anambra State Government estimating losses of ₦8 billion every Monday.

Traders have also consistently cited fear of violence as the reason for compliance, underscoring the need for stronger protection and confidence-building measures.

He urged the Anambra State Government to prioritize dialogue, ensure adequate security for traders and adopt measures that safeguard both economic activity and human rights.

Ojukwu reiterated that development, law enforcement and economic governance must be pursued in ways that respect fundamental rights.

“Forced evictions and collective sanctions erode trust in government, deepen social vulnerabilities, and risk fueling instability, he emphasized.

He warned that Nigeria’s progress must be anchored in justice, fairness, and respect for the dignity of its citizens, adding, the Commission will continue to monitor the situations closely, engage with relevant authorities to ensure that Nigeria’s development and governance remain consistent with its human rights obligations.

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