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The National Human Rights Commission has raised strong concerns over recent developments in Lagos and Anambra states, warning that both forced evictions and the enforcement of sit-at-home directives pose serious risks to citizens’ fundamental rights.
The commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu, expressed deep concern over the demolition of waterfront and informal settlements in Makoko, Lagos State, which he said had reportedly displaced thousands of residents. According to him, the exercise was carried out without sufficient notice, compensation, or clear resettlement arrangements, leaving many families homeless and cutting off their sources of livelihood.
Ojukwu noted that such actions directly conflict with constitutional guarantees protecting human dignity, housing, and family life, as well as Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments. He added that repeated disregard for court rulings that prohibit forced evictions further weakens public confidence in the rule of law and the justice system.
The commission called on the Lagos State authorities to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions. It urged the government to prioritise dialogue with affected communities and to ensure that any development initiatives are preceded by proper consultation, fair compensation, and realistic resettlement plans that safeguard the welfare of displaced residents.
Read also: Anambra Shutters Dozens Of Health Centers For Violations
Beyond Lagos, the NHRC also expressed concern over the situation in Anambra State, where traders complied with an illegal sit-at-home directive that led to the closure of the Onitsha Main Market. While acknowledging the state government’s efforts to curb the enforcement of the directive, Ojukwu cautioned against measures that amount to collective punishment of traders. He said such actions undermine the rights to livelihood, freedom of movement, and due process.
He further drew attention to the economic consequences of repeated sit-at-home days, citing government estimates that place losses at as much as N8 billion every Monday. According to him, responses to security challenges must be carefully designed to protect lives without sacrificing fundamental human rights or worsening economic hardship for ordinary citizens.
Ojukwu stressed that development initiatives, law enforcement operations, and economic regulation must always be anchored in respect for human rights. He warned that ignoring these principles could increase social vulnerability, deepen inequality, and further erode trust between citizens and government.
He concluded by calling on authorities at all levels to ensure that justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity remain central to governance and national development.
The commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Mohammed, said the NHRC would continue to closely monitor the situations in both states and engage relevant authorities to promote rights-respecting solutions.
