Nigeria Urges India: Protect Nigerian Detainees' Human Rights

• Nigeria's Federal Government has urged India to ensure the welfare and human rights of Nigerian citizens detained in Indian custodial centers.
• The appeal was made by Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu during a meeting with human rights delegations from both nations in Abuja.
• Nigeria and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding between their National Human Rights Commissions to foster institutional cooperation and improve access to justice.
• The MoU aims to strengthen complaint-handling mechanisms and protect vulnerable persons, translating long-standing relations into practical human rights collaboration.
• Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to global human rights diplomacy and its obligations under the UN Charter, following its election to the Human Rights Council for 2027–2029.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu characterized this MoU as a timely and crucial initiative, transforming the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and India into tangible, institutionalized cooperation on human rights promotion.

The Nigerian Federal Government has formally requested that India uphold the welfare, dignity, and fundamental human rights of its citizens currently held in Indian custodial centers. This diplomatic appeal was made by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a significant meeting in Abuja. The gathering included a high-level delegation comprising representatives from both the Nigerian and Indian National Human Rights Commissions.

During the discussions, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed Nigeria's deep concern regarding the treatment of its nationals incarcerated in India. She specifically urged the Indian authorities to ensure that these individuals receive appropriate attention concerning their welfare and human rights. This call for action was subsequently detailed in a press statement released on Thursday, bearing the signature of Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Minister underscored that the protection of vulnerable persons and ensuring access to justice must remain paramount in the expanding human rights collaboration between the two nations.

The appeal for improved conditions for Nigerians abroad in India coincides with a significant advancement in human rights cooperation between the two countries. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation was formally signed by their respective National Human Rights Commissions. This agreement is designed to foster institutional collaboration, facilitate technical exchanges, and enable the sharing of best practices in the realm of human rights protection.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu characterized this MoU as a timely and crucial initiative, transforming the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and India into tangible, institutionalized cooperation on human rights promotion. She emphasized the critical need to enhance access to justice, refine existing complaint-handling mechanisms, and safeguard the rights of individuals in vulnerable situations. The objective is to guarantee equitable access to essential support and services for these populations. Both Nigeria and India, as prominent members of the Global South, possess a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive international human rights architecture through such joint efforts.

Beyond the immediate bilateral concerns, Nigeria reiterated its broader commitment to advancing human rights on the international stage. The Minister expressed Nigeria's readiness to intensify engagement with India and other global partners, aiming to further human rights diplomacy and reinforce both national and international human rights institutions. This proactive stance aligns with Nigeria's dedication to upholding universal human rights principles.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also took the opportunity to acknowledge the support from United Nations member states for Nigeria's successful election to the Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term. She reaffirmed Nigeria's unwavering commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This commitment, she stated, would be guided by the core principles of objectivity, non-selectivity, and constructive international engagement, ensuring a principled approach to its global human rights responsibilities.

Lawyers representing Nigerian citizens detained in India should be aware of this diplomatic push and the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Human Rights Commissions of both countries. This development may provide additional avenues for advocating for their clients' welfare and human rights, potentially leveraging the institutional cooperation established by the MoU for improved access to justice and complaint-handling mechanisms.

Source: Original reporting via Ministry of Foreign Affairs press statement.