Nigeria seeks UN council seat, reaffirms commitment to human rights

Nigeria has declared its intention to seek membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027 to 2029 term, reaffirming its commitment to multilateralism, democratic governance and the protection of human rights.

Speaking at the high-level segment of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, said Nigeria remains “steadfastly committed to multilateralism and the universality of human rights.”

Tuggar congratulated Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro on his election as President of the 20th Cycle of the Council and assured him of Nigeria’s cooperation and support.

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He told delegates that Nigeria’s commitment is anchored on the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, noting that fundamental rights and freedoms are guaranteed under Chapter IV of the country’s Constitution.

According to him, Nigeria believes strongly in the Council’s capacity as “an indispensable platform for dialogue, prevention, and cooperation,” reaffirming full cooperation with its mechanisms as vital instruments for the global promotion and protection of human rights.

The minister acknowledged growing global insecurity, describing it as a crisis threatening democratic gains worldwide.

“We live in an era where international peace and security are under siege, threatening the hard-won gains of democracy. These threats are not peculiar to any single State or region; they are a global crisis demanding collective resolve,” he said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s own security challenges, Tuggar said the country’s experiences have strengthened its determination to safeguard the right to life and ensure the security of citizens, particularly children.

He disclosed that the government has accelerated implementation of its National Plan on Financing Safe Schools to secure learning environments across the country.

“Our children’s right to learn in safety is a sacred priority. Nigeria is also strengthening accountability through ongoing reforms and enhanced regional and international cooperation.

These measures, he explained, are aimed at mainstreaming international human rights and humanitarian standards into internal security operations, with a primary focus on protecting civilians.

On freedom of religion, the minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful coexistence among diverse faith communities.

“We view the peaceful coexistence of all faith communities as the essential foundation of our national unity. Nigeria remains resolute in ensuring a society where every citizen, regardless of creed or tribe, stands protected under the shield of justice.”

He recalled the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which affirms that the right to development and all human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. He stressed that states bear the primary responsibility for fostering an environment conducive to development.

Under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Tuggar said Nigeria has embarked on bold economic and fiscal reforms to stabilise the economy and enhance financial transparency. The reforms, he noted, are designed to expand National Social Investment Programmes and ensure that economic growth benefits vulnerable populations.

 

“Our priorities are firmly focused on poverty reduction, food security, and creating opportunities for our youth,” he said.

 

He added that Nigeria is leveraging its digital economy to drive youth empowerment and advance economic rights, while strengthening social protection systems to enable citizens realise their full potential.

 

“Inclusive development is our most powerful tool for preventing conflict and reinforcing democratic resilience,” he emphasised.

 

The minister also highlighted the link between human rights and environmental protection, warning that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities and threatens rights to food, water, health and livelihoods.

 

“Nigeria knows first-hand that the exercise of human rights today is inseparable from environmental protection,” he said, noting that the country’s climate adaptation strategies are anchored on human rights and sustainable development for future generations.

 

Presenting Nigeria’s candidature for membership of the Council for the 2027–2029 term, Tuggar said the country is seeking the seat “with sincerity, determination, and a keen understanding of the responsibilities such membership entails.”

 

He described Council membership as “a profound responsibility to uphold universal values, promote prevention, and contribute to collective solutions that protect human dignity worldwide,” pledging that Nigeria stands ready to work with partners to advance peace, justice and sustainable development in Africa and beyond.