By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA | Media360Impact Report
Nigeria and India have entered a new human rights partnership aimed at improving access to justice, strengthening institutional accountability and protecting vulnerable citizens in both countries.
The agreement followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria and its Indian counterpart to promote institutional cooperation, technical exchanges and the protection of fundamental human rights.
The development was highlighted on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during a meeting between Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and a joint delegation of the two countries’ human rights commissions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s NHRC, Chief Anthony Ojukwu, and the Chairperson of India’s National Human Rights Commission, Justice V. Ramasubramanian.
Speaking during the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as an important step towards translating the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and India into practical cooperation on human rights protection.
She stressed the need to improve access to justice, strengthen complaint-handling mechanisms and ensure that people in vulnerable circumstances receive adequate protection and support.
The minister also called for stronger collaboration between both countries in promoting an inclusive international human rights system, particularly through the collective contributions of developing countries.
She said Nigeria was ready to deepen its engagement with India and other international partners to strengthen human rights diplomacy and improve the effectiveness of national and international human rights institutions.
Nigeria raises concerns over citizens in Indian custody
Beyond the new agreement, the minister drew attention to concerns surrounding the treatment of Nigerian citizens serving in custodial centres in India.
She called for appropriate attention to their welfare, dignity and fundamental human rights, highlighting the importance of protecting Nigerians abroad through diplomatic engagement.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also expressed appreciation to United Nations member states for supporting Nigeria’s election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027–2028 term.
She reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations under the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
According to her, Nigeria’s engagement with the council would be guided by objectivity, non-selectivity and constructive international cooperation.
NHRC outlines areas of cooperation
Earlier, Nigeria’s NHRC Executive Secretary, Chief Anthony Ojukwu, described the agreement as an important framework for strengthening institutional capacity and technical cooperation between the two commissions.
He explained that the partnership would focus on improving complaint-management systems, strengthening human rights compliance in security sector governance and promoting joint research on international law and emerging human rights issues.
Ojukwu also emphasised the importance of working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that international human rights standards are reflected in Nigeria’s treaty obligations and diplomatic engagements.
India highlights shared democratic values
In his remarks, India’s NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, described the agreement as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation through institutional learning, experience-sharing and capacity development.
He noted that Nigeria and India shared several characteristics, including large populations, ethnic and religious diversity, rich cultural heritage and democratic aspirations.
He said these similarities provided a strong foundation for both countries to exchange experiences and adopt best practices in addressing human rights challenges.
The partnership is expected to promote practical engagement between the two commissions and strengthen their capacity to address human rights concerns.
The agreement further reinforces the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and India, with both countries expressing a shared commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms, strengthening human rights institutions and advancing international cooperation.
Source: Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Press Release No. MFA/PR/2026/295, signed by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Spokesperson, November 11, 2026.
