The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have called for actionable steps toward the protection of migrants in our borders.
This call was made on Tuesday in Abuja at a briefing with border officials on findings from border monitoring missions and assessments at Seme (Lagos State) and Idiroko (Ogun).
OHCHR, in partnership with NHRC and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), conducted human rights monitoring and assessment missions.
The monitoring was conducted at Seme Border and surrounding communities in Lagos State on June 25-26, 2025, and at Idiroko Border, Ogun, on October 7 to 8.
Speaking at the meeting, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the executive secretary, NHRC, said that migrants often face heightened vulnerabilities at border points.
He added that where oversight is limited, remedies are scarce and violations too frequently occur.
“The assessments, therefore, sought to examine entry and exit procedures, screening and referral mechanisms, and safeguards for vulnerable persons (women, persons with disabilities, key populations, etc.).
“Access to services and the overall human rights environment at the border, including the welfare of border officials, is very important. Migration is a complex and continuing reality of our time, shaped by multiple drivers ranging from economic aspirations to regional mobility to conflict, insecurity and climate change.
“While the motivations differ, one principle remains constant: every migrant, irrespective of their status, is entitled to the full protection of their human rights under international and national law,” he said.
He noted that the meeting provided a unique opportunity to move beyond diagnosis into practical solutions.
The goal, according to Mr Ojukwu, is to translate monitoring findings into tangible commitments: “actionable steps, agreed timelines and a follow-up mechanism that ensures accountability and progress.”
Presenting the findings and recommendations of the missions, Esther Sawa said that the missions focused on entry or exit procedures.
He added that screening and referral practices, protection of vulnerable persons, detention safeguards, access to services and inter-agency coordination are key issues.
“The objective was to identify and better understand the general human rights situation and protection needs of migrants at the border.
“Also, to assess and document conditions affecting migrants, border communities and interactions with border officials.
“One of the mission outcomes is a comprehensive monitoring report presenting findings on the current human rights situation at the border, including migrants’ testimonies,” she said.
Mr Ojukwu, therefore, thanked the border officials and agencies for their cooperation.
Ms Sawa stressed the need for actionable recommendations for improved compliance with international human rights standards.
The findings, according to Ms Sawa, will be used for advocacy with authorities to commit to concrete follow-ups, including conducting their own investigations and remedying violations or systemic problems.
Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, and National Ports Health Services were among other stakeholders present.
(NAN)