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Govt agents highest offenders as NHRC records 19,470 complaints of rights abuse .

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The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, recorded 19,470 complaints of rights abuse in April 2024, with most of the reports brought against government agents.
The April 2024 NHRC Human Rights Assessment Dashboard, released on Friday in Abuja, showed that 5,259 complaints of rights abuse were filed against state actors – government agents – including the police, the military and other security agencies.
The figure is the highest number of complaints recorded against a particular group in the April dashboard.
The dashboard equally revealed that the NHRC recorded 4,317 complaints of domestic violence in April, as well as 1,457 complaints relating to violation of children’s rights.
In the same vein, a total of 2,877 complaints were received against non-state actors, while 1,063 reports were brought against private sector actors.
Also, there were 110 complaints of violation of the right to life, and 136 complaints made by persons with disabilities.
A further breakdown of the human rights abuse complaints received by the NHRC in April shows that the highest number of cases of abuse were recorded in the North-Central, with the North-East and North-West recording the second highest and third highest cases.
They were followed by the South-West and the South-East.
The South-South recorded the least number of rights abuse complaints in April 2024.
The top 10 states with rights abuse complaints in April 2024 are Borno, Kano, Plateau, Taraba, Lagos, Kaduna, Bauchi, Osun, Abia and Rivers.
According to the dashboard, the main violators of human rights in April 2024 – going by complaints received by the NHRC – are the Nigerian Police, parents, military, private sector actors and bandits/militia groups.
The NHRC observed a disturbing rise in violation of children’s rights, with 491 complaints of child abandonment and 21 reports of child marriage recorded in April 2024.
The April Human Rights Assessment Dashboard highlighted cult killings in Anambra, ethnic killings in Plateau, killings by suspected herdsmen in Nimbo community of Enugu, and double attacks with mass casualties in Kogi.
In April 2024, according to the NHRC dashboard, mass killings were recorded in Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Bayelsa, Plateau and Anambra.
The dashboard highlighted the impact of cultism on human rights, noting that “Over 20 deaths were recorded in April relating to the activities of cultists in three states”.
As a result of the development, the NHRC urged the government and security agencies to protect lives and properties, especially in educational institutions.
The NHRC equally expressed concern over attacks on journalists and press freedom in the country.
“Over the last 3 months, 5 journalists have been arrested and detained beyond constitutional limits,” the NHRC said, while condemning the “indiscriminate arrests and prolonged detention of Nigerians”.
The April 2024 Human Rights Assessment Dashboard highlighted an “upsurge in human rights complaints” with mass killings continuing to rise across states.
The NHRC equally observed that media freedom is under attack, a rise in cases of violence against children and minors, as well as killings of law enforcement agents and members of the Armed Forces.
The NHRC, in the same vein, noted that economic reforms introduced by the government are impacting on the enjoyment of human rights.
In an address at the presentation of the April human rights assessment dashboard, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, noted that “The monthly dashboard on the state of human rights is borne out of the necessity by the Commission to monitor, investigate and report on human rights in real time on a national scale in line with its mandate.”
He added: “These facts, statistics and analysis of human rights violations across broad and specific thematic areas provide policy makers, international partners, law enforcement agencies, civil society actors and the media with the opportunity of gaining insights into the evolving human rights landscape in Nigeria and exploring collaborative avenues for addressing emerging challenges.
“Beyond providing a graphical presentation of the human rights situation, the April dashboard also serves as a guide and a measurement of our progress in realizing the human rights of every Nigerian.
“It provides information that will trigger a chain of multi-faceted actions from every arm of government in tackling insecurity, poverty and inequalities in our country.”
Ojukwu expressed hopes that the dashboard would assist the Nigerian government in keeping track of its obligations to national, regional and international human rights instruments and mechanisms.
Govt agents highest offenders as NHRC records 19,470 complaints of rights abuse

 

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Abuja International Conference Center Built In 1991 For N240m Is Being Renovated In 2025 For N39b BY Wike…

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The Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) was built at an estimated cost of $29.6 million (about ₦240 million at the exchange rate of the time). It was completed in 1991 and has since been one of Nigeria’s premier venues for national and international events.

In 2025 The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – CON, GSSRS , says the FCT Administration is expending N39 billion on the rehabilitation of the Abuja International Conference Centre.

 

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Igwebụike in action! Pre-colonial Igbo society’s remarkable approach to community development, where every man was a landlord.

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This a picture depicting the Igbo people building house collectively for one another, free. In the olden days, life was so easy. The Igbo lived a communal life. When a man get to the age of ịpụ obi, his age grade would contribute in building house for him free. He will also do so to others.

No stress. No competition. Everyone moves together. Age grade was established by our ancestors to support one another. Growth was collectively massive. The concept of Igwebụike was loud. Onye aghana nwanne ya.

No one got paid for doing so. It’s free of charge. Community development was an important role and duty of pre-colonial Igbo society.

Everyone joyfully helped one another to stand as a man and have a shelter over his head. Every Igbo man was a landlord. No tenant. Once you are of age, either you have your home in your father’s house or ị pụọ obi. Your age grade will build you a house.

 

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Nigeria Customs Set to Introduce Automated Transire Process, Sensitises Officers, Stakeholders

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to introduce an Automated Transire Process (ATP), a system designed to enhance trade efficiency, minimise delays, and curb cargo diversion.

Speaking at a sensitisation session at Apapa Area Command on Thursday, 10 March 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Charles Orbih, described the initiative as a transformative development for the NCS.

He stated, “This is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a strategic shift aimed at positioning the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation at the forefront of global trade efficiency, security, and transparency.”

He further explained that the Automated Transire Process, developed in-house by NCS ICT officers, is expected to significantly reduce customs clearance times, enhance tracking capabilities, and improve accountability.

ACG Orbih emphasised that real-time tracking and data transparency would mitigate the risks associated with cargo diversion while boosting stakeholders’ confidence in the system.

He added that faster access to goods at ports and terminals would benefit importers, exporters, and all players in the logistics chain.

Reflecting on the initiative’s origins, the Zonal Coordinator recalled that the automation project stemmed from a directive issued during last year’s CGC conference, where the ICT/Modernisation Department was tasked with automating the transfer process by the first quarter of 2025. This milestone has now been achieved.

The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, represented by ACG Zanna Gaji, further outlined the project’s benefits.

He remarked, “This system will enhance efficiency and transparency, improve revenue collection, and minimise opportunities for corruption by ensuring a fair and predictable process.”

He noted that the automation would strengthen Nigeria’s position in global trade and promote international best practices.

ACG Gaji stressed that the rollout would be gradual, beginning with a user acceptance test and a pilot phase at one of the bonded terminals.

“We cannot introduce the system immediately. It is essential to engage stakeholders, conduct hands-on testing, and refine the system based on feedback,” he stated.

During the feedback session, Area Controllers within the Apapa environs underscored the importance of incorporating all relevant units and addressing the absence of a watchlist feature.

Stakeholders also sought clarification on the official launch date and requested adjustments to align the system more effectively with operational requirements.

In response, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Usman Abba, the team leader of the ATP development project, assured attendees that the system would be fully integrated with all relevant units, departments, and commands before full implementation.

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