NHRC Kicks Against Forced Evictions in Lagos, Sit-at-Home Enforcement in Anambra
Abuja (Core Reporters) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the recent demolitions and evictions in Lagos and the closure of Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, respectively, describing these actions as flagrant abuse of the rights of Nigerians.
In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the NHRC expressed its concerns over the human rights implications of these actions.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), noted with surprise the ongoing demolitions of waterfront and informal settlements in Makoko, Lagos, which have displaced thousands of residents. He lamented that these demolitions, carried out without adequate notice, compensation, or resettlement plans, have left families homeless and livelihoods destroyed.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of the Federation emphasized that such actions contravene constitutional guarantees of dignity, housing, and family life, as well as international human rights standards to which Nigeria is committed.
“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,” Dr. Ojukwu stated.
Ojukwu insisted that development projects must never come at the expense of fundamental rights and called for an immediate halt to demolitions to pave the way for meaningful consultation with affected communities and provision of adequate resettlement and compensation.
In the same vein, while commending the Anambra State government for taking decisive steps to stop the sit-at-home anomaly, the Learned Silk said the Commission is troubled by the closure of Onitsha Main Market following traders’ compliance with the outlawed sit-at-home directive.
While both the government and the Commission see the sit-at-home directive as illegal and an economic sabotage, the Commission advises that collective punishment of traders through market closures raises questions about the right to livelihood, freedom of movement, and due process.
The Human Rights Advocate expressed worries that the economic impact of the sit-at-home is staggering, with the Anambra State Government estimating losses of ₦8 billion every Monday. Meanwhile, traders have consistently cited fear of violence as the reason for compliance, underscoring the need for stronger protection and confidence-building measures.
He urged the Anambra State Government to prioritize dialogue, ensure adequate security for traders, and adopt measures that safeguard both economic activity and human rights.
Dr. Ojukwu reiterated that development, law enforcement, and economic governance must be pursued in ways that respect fundamental rights. Forced evictions and collective sanctions erode trust in government, deepen social vulnerabilities, and risk fuelling instability, he emphasized.
He warned that Nigeria’s progress must be anchored in justice, fairness, and respect for the dignity of its citizens, adding that the Commission will continue to monitor these situations closely and engage with relevant authorities to ensure that Nigeria’s development and governance remain consistent with its human rights obligations.
