The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed grave concern over ongoing house demolitions and evictions in Lagos State, as well as the closure of Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, warning that the actions carry serious human rights implications. Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, said the developments raise fundamental questions about the protection of citizens’ rights to dignity, housing, livelihood, and due process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the NHRC Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Ojukwu said the Commission was alarmed by the continued demolition of waterfront and informal settlements in Makoko, Lagos, which has reportedly displaced thousands of residents. He lamented that the demolitions were carried out without adequate notice, compensation, or resettlement plans, leaving many families homeless and destroying their sources of livelihood.
According to him, such actions violate constitutional guarantees of dignity, housing, and family life, as well as international human rights standards to which Nigeria is a signatory. “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,” Ojukwu said. He stressed that development projects must not come at the expense of fundamental human rights, calling for an immediate halt to the demolitions to allow for meaningful consultation with affected communities and the provision of adequate resettlement and compensation.
In Anambra State, the NHRC commended the government for taking steps to end the sit-at-home practice but expressed concern over the closure of Onitsha Main Market following traders’ compliance with the outlawed directive.
While acknowledging that both the government and the Commission regard the sit-at-home order as illegal and economically damaging, Ojukwu said the closure of markets amounted to collective punishment, raising concerns about the right to livelihood, freedom of movement, and due process. He noted that the economic impact of the sit-at-home order has been severe, with the Anambra State Government estimating losses of about ₦8 billion every Monday.
The NHRC boss added that traders have repeatedly cited fear of violence as the reason for complying with the sit-at-home order, highlighting the need for stronger security measures and confidence-building efforts. He urged the Anambra State Government to prioritize dialogue, ensure adequate protection for traders, and adopt measures that balance law enforcement with the protection of human rights.
Ojukwu reiterated that development, law enforcement, and economic governance must be pursued in ways that respect fundamental rights, warning that forced evictions and collective sanctions could deepen social vulnerabilities and fuel instability. He assured that the Commission would continue to monitor the situations closely and engage relevant authorities to ensure that Nigeria’s development and governance processes remain consistent with its human rights obligations.
