, has raised the alarm over the growing menace of hate speech in Nigeria, describing it as a direct violation of){kind=link}
By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
ABUJA — The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu (OFR, SAN), has raised the alarm over the growing menace of hate speech in Nigeria, describing it as a direct violation of human rights and a serious threat to the country’s peace, unity, and development.
In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Chief Ojukwu said hate speech strips individuals of their dignity and violates the right to equality and non discrimination as enshrined in Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He noted that while freedom of expression remains a protected right, it does not cover speech that incites hatred, hostility, or violence against others.
The NHRC boss pointed out that Sections 24 and 26 of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act 2015 already recognise the deliberate spread of offensive and inflammatory messages online as a criminal offence. However, he stressed that the law alone is not enough, adding that it must be complemented by responsible conduct from political actors, traditional and religious leaders, the media, and ordinary citizens.
Chief Ojukwu warned that unchecked hate speech fuels division and creates conditions for conflict. He explained that when communities are turned against each other, public trust breaks down, businesses collapse, schools shut, and investors flee.
“Conflict destroys infrastructure, displaces families, and reverses years of developmental gains. No nation can build on the ruins of hatred,” he said.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the Executive Secretary expressed concern that hate speech could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and threaten citizens’ rights to vote and be voted for. He warned that inflammatory rhetoric has the potential to intimidate voters, suppress participation, and widen ethnic and religious divisions.
“Hate speech is not harmless talk. It is a trigger for conflict, a brake on national development, and a betrayal of our shared humanity. Let us not allow this monster to spread ahead of the 2027 general elections. If we do, we will pay for it with lives, livelihoods, and the future of our democracy,” he cautioned.
Chief Ojukwu called on all Nigerians to reject hate speech in all its forms, verify information before sharing it, and report any incitement to violence or discrimination to the appropriate authorities.
He pledged the Commission’s continued commitment to monitoring, documenting, and responding to hate speech incidents across the country.
About The Author
