By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and India have strengthened their human rights cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Human Rights Commissions of both countries. 
The agreement is aimed at promoting institutional collaboration, improving access to justice, strengthening human rights protection and facilitating the exchange of expertise between the two countries.
The development was highlighted on Tuesday, November 10, during a courtesy visit by a joint high-level delegation of the two commissions to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The delegation was jointly led by the Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Anthony Ojukwu, and the Chairperson of India’s National Human Rights Commission, Justice V. Ramasubramanian.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreement as a timely initiative that would translate the longstanding diplomatic relations between Nigeria and India into practical institutional cooperation.
She emphasised the need to improve access to justice, strengthen complaint-handling mechanisms and protect people in vulnerable circumstances.
The minister said both countries had an opportunity, as members of the Global South, to contribute meaningfully to building a more inclusive international human rights system.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen engagement with India and other international partners to advance human rights diplomacy and strengthen the effectiveness of national and international human rights institutions.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also expressed appreciation to member states of the United Nations for supporting Nigeria’s election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027–2028 term.
She pledged that Nigeria would discharge its responsibilities in line with the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, guided by the principles of objectivity, non-selectivity and constructive international engagement.
The minister, however, drew attention to concerns over the treatment of Nigerian citizens serving in custodial centres in India, calling for appropriate attention to their welfare, dignity and fundamental human rights.
Earlier, Ojukwu described the MoU as an important framework for strengthening institutional cooperation and technical exchanges between the two human rights commissions.
He explained that the partnership would focus on improving complaint-management mechanisms, strengthening human rights compliance in security sector governance and promoting joint research on international law, human rights implementation and emerging issues.
The NHRC executive secretary also emphasised the importance of working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to integrate international human rights standards into Nigeria’s treaty obligations and diplomatic frameworks.
In his remarks, Ramasubramanian highlighted the longstanding historical and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and India, noting their similarities in population size, ethnic and religious diversity, cultural heritage and democratic aspirations.
He described the agreement as an important step towards practical cooperation, institutional learning and capacity development through the exchange of experiences and best practices.
The engagement provided an opportunity for both countries to reaffirm their commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms, strengthening human rights diplomacy and expanding international cooperation.
The development also comes as Nigeria prepares to take up its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2028 term.
