NHRC expresses concern over evictions, sit-at-home menace in Southeast

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised its voice against what it described as arbitrary eviction and demolition of structures in the waterfront of Makoko in Lagos.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu SAN, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said these actions raise serious human rights implications.

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The statement which was signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatima Agwai Mohammed, said, the NHRC noted with shock the ongoing demolitions of waterfront and informal settlements in Makoko, Lagos, which displaced thousands of residents.

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

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In the same vein, the NHRC commended the Anambra State government for the decisive steps to stop the sit-at- home anomaly.

The Learned Silk 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 advises that collective punishment of traders through market closures raises questions about the right to livelihood, freedom of movement, and due process.

On demolition, the NHRC boss emphasized that such actions contravene 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.

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

Dr. Ojukwu however reiterated that development, law enforcement, and economic governance must be pursued in ways that respect fundamental rights, saying forced evictions and collective sanctions erode trust in government, deepen social vulnerabilities, and risk fueling instability, he emphasized.

He also 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 these 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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