The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that Nigeria recorded 659,617 human rights complaints in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting a worsening rights situation across the country.

Presenting the Commission’s Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja on Friday, Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu described the figures as alarming and called for urgent enforcement of existing laws and protections.

According to the data, complaints rose steadily over the three-month period, with 180,341 cases reported in January, 223,144 in February, and 256,132 in March.

The Commission identified discrimination-related violations as the most prevalent, pointing to deep-rooted structural inequalities. It also noted a spike in February involving abuses linked to law enforcement agencies and violations of human dignity, raising concerns over accountability.

“This dashboard is not just about statistics but about real people whose rights are being violated,” Ojukwu said, urging authorities to move beyond policy pronouncements to concrete action.

The NHRC said the findings align with its 2026 risk outlook, which flagged insecurity, gender-based violence, shrinking civic space, and economic hardship as major drivers of rights violations.

Regionally, the report indicated that insurgency continues to affect civilians in the North-East, while banditry and kidnappings remain widespread in the North-West. Communal clashes were also reported in parts of the North-Central, including Jos and Nasarawa.

The Commission further highlighted rising cases of gender-based violence, mob justice, and alleged abuses by security personnel, alongside worsening socio-economic conditions limiting access to basic services.

Ojukwu stressed that weak institutions and lack of accountability continue to undermine citizens’ rights, warning that failure to address these issues could erode public trust.

“We must build systems that prevent violations, protect citizens, and ensure perpetrators are held accountable,” he said.

As part of its reform efforts, the NHRC announced plans to overhaul its complaint handling process through a revised operational manual and digital upgrades, including the Human Rights Abuse Tracking System (HRAT).

The new system is designed to streamline complaint submission and resolution, improve transparency, and expand access to justice, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The updated framework also introduces stronger confidentiality protections, clearer referral processes, and simplified procedures for frontline responders.

Ojukwu noted that the Commission’s monitoring framework has attracted international recognition, including attention at the United Nations, where it is being considered a model for human rights tracking in West Africa.

He also commended Nigeria’s adoption of the Kampala Convention, describing it as a significant step toward addressing the plight of internally displaced persons.

Reaffirming the Commission’s mandate, Ojukwu said the rising number of complaints should serve as a wake-up call for authorities and stakeholders.

“Human rights must go beyond legal provisions to become lived realities for all Nigerians,” he said.