Abuja, Nigeria – 11 December 2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) have reinforced their long-standing collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) during a high-level diplomatic visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The engagement marks a renewed phase of operational synergy in Nigeria’s national anti-trafficking efforts.

The IHRC delegation was led by H.E. Ambassador (Dr.) Hezekiah Duru, Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria. The visit aligned with IHRC Corporation’s ongoing reforms and restructuring, following the relocation of its global headquarters from Switzerland to the United States — a strategic shift aimed at expanding the Commission’s humanitarian reach and strengthening global coordination mechanisms.

During the meeting, IHRC reaffirmed the validity of the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Commission and NAPTIP. Ambassador Duru noted that the renewed engagement reflects both institutions’ commitment to enhancing technical cooperation, strengthening rescue capabilities, and accelerating the response against trafficking and exploitation.

A key highlight of the discussion was IHRC’s recent joint rescue operation in Taraba State, conducted in collaboration with NAPTIP operatives, which resulted in the recovery of 17 victims of human trafficking. Ambassador Duru emphasized that such interventions demonstrate the practical value of inter-agency collaboration and the need to reinvigorate long-standing partnerships across Nigeria’s anti-trafficking landscape.

The delegation also raised concerns regarding groups falsely claiming affiliation with IHRC. Ambassador Duru outlined the Commission’s operational structure in Nigeria, comprising over 1,500 volunteers, coordinated through State and Regional Coordinators, a National Volunteers Coordinator, and the Head of Mission. This structure, he noted, ensures accountability, rapid response and nationwide operational capacity.

In response, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta L. Adamu Bello, commended IHRC’s continued support to national anti-trafficking efforts. She acknowledged the operational relevance of the existing MoU and confirmed that the agency’s technical department would conduct a full review to update and strengthen the document accordingly.

NAPTIP officials further requested verification documents to address impersonation concerns. Ambassador Duru confirmed that IHRC would provide the required materials promptly, adding that IHRC remains an independent global humanitarian organisation, supported by partners and individual donors, and is not funded by any government.

The meeting also underscored the historical continuity of IHRC’s engagement in Nigeria, recalling the earlier official visit of Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, Secretary-General of the IHRC Corporation. The longstanding cooperation, the delegation noted, reflects IHRC’s sustained commitment to supporting Nigerian institutions in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.

The visit concluded with a symbolic gift presentation to NAPTIP’s Director-General, followed by an official photograph session — marking a renewed chapter of collaboration in Nigeria’s fight against trafficking and exploitation.

Reporter:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media and Strategic Communications, IHRC Nigeria

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President Trump’s remarks should inspire Nigeria to act decisively in protecting its citizens and rebuilding international trust

ABUJA, Nigeria — November 2025.
The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to treat recent remarks by U.S. President Donald J. Trump on the country’s security crisis as a call for urgent leadership and constructive engagement — not as an attack on the nation’s image.

In a statement endorsed by Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, IHRC Corporation Secretary-General, Peacemaker, the Commission emphasised that Nigeria’s current challenges demand unity, responsible governance, and immediate international coordination to prevent further humanitarian tragedy.

“When human life is endangered, silence is not neutrality — it is neglect,” said Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, IHRC Corporation Secretary-General, Peacemaker. “Nigeria’s leadership must rise above political divisions to protect all citizens equally and to demonstrate to the world that Africa’s largest democracy stands firm for peace, human dignity, and justice.”

President Trump reportedly described the escalating violence and targeted killings in parts of Nigeria as “acts of genocide”, prompting intense global debate. The IHRC stated that while such remarks may appear harsh, they should be interpreted as a wake-up call for decisive action rather than an affront to the nation’s image.

IHRC: Leadership must turn criticism into action

Through its Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Hezekiah Duru, the Commission reaffirmed that even criticism, when rooted in humanitarian concern, should serve as a catalyst for reflection and reform.

“Innocent Nigerians — Christians, Muslims, and those of no faith — continue to suffer death, displacement, and trauma as a result of terrorism and armed banditry,” Ambassador Duru stated. “The Government must act decisively to prevent deeper diplomatic mistrust and further national trauma.”

The IHRC underlined that persistent insecurity across the North, Middle Belt, and South East exposes critical gaps in citizen protection. It urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to view President Trump’s remarks as a challenge to rebuild public confidence and restore Nigeria’s global standing.

Diplomatic engagement and institutional reform

The Commission encouraged Nigeria’s newly appointed security chiefs to adopt intelligence-driven, preventive strategies, warning that waiting for attacks before responding only deepens instability.

“You cannot sleep under a burning roof and expect to wake up whole,” the IHRC noted. “The time to act is now — before isolated violence hardens into a national crisis.”

It called for strengthened collaboration with the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the African Union, stressing that coordinated diplomacy is essential to confronting terrorism and displacement.

“Diplomatic silence during global scrutiny may be mistaken for indifference,” the Commission warned. “Transparent dialogue with allies will reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to peace and human rights.”

Proposal for a High-Level Diplomatic Advisory Council

To enhance credibility and trust, IHRC proposed the establishment of a High-Level Diplomatic Advisory Council, composed of senior statesmen, jurists, and international relations experts. Such a council, the Commission stated, would guide Nigeria’s strategic engagement with global partners and demonstrate its seriousness in rebuilding national and international confidence.

Human rights and constitutional guarantees

The Commission reminded that Section 38(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution — alongside the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) — guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

“These must remain living principles, not dormant clauses,” the statement read, noting that unchecked terrorism and kidnappings continue to undermine national stability and trust abroad.

Ambassador Duru reaffirmed that Nigeria must lead its own rescue mission through stronger institutions, interfaith dialogue, transparent governance, and a renewed commitment to the sanctity of human life.

“The world is watching,” he said. “Inaction only fuels misinformation and external interference.”

A message from the IHRC Corporation Secretary-General

Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, IHRC Corporation Secretary-General, Peacemaker, reiterated the Commission’s readiness to cooperate with Nigerian authorities and international allies, stressing that IHRC’s mission is one of partnership, not criticism.

“Our role is to strengthen nations in crisis, not to judge them. Nigeria’s strength lies in its unity and moral courage to act when peace and justice are at risk,” he stated.

A call for unity and decisive action

IHRC reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and human rights monitoring across Nigeria.

“A tree does not stand alone in the storm,” the statement concluded. “Unity — the lifeblood of our nation — is now under threat. Nigeria’s destiny as Africa’s democratic leader depends on its courage to protect its citizens and restore peace. The time for decisive action is now.”

Reported by: Fidelis Onakpoma
IHRC Head of Media and Strategic Communications Nigeria

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