International Human Rights Day: FG Recommits to Free Expression, Access to Information

Bennett Oghifo

Nigeria, on Wednesday, joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Human Rights Day, with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, stressing that freedom of expression and access to information remain the bedrock of democratic governance.

The event, held in Abuja and read on his behalf by a senior official of the Ministry of Justice, brought together justices of the Court of Appeal, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society actors, and development partners.

Fagbemi stated the annual commemoration, which marks the 77th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, serves as a reminder of the fundamental rights that sustain global democracies.

He paid tribute to advocates who “push against systems, laws and policies to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today,” adding that this year’s global theme, “Our Everyday Essentials,” had been domesticated to spotlight freedom of expression and access to information.

According to him, the two rights are “practical necessities that empower citizens, strengthen institutions, and uphold the very fabric of democratic governance.”

He observed that UNESCO recognises access to information as a catalyst for informed decision-making, accountability, and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Citing international data, Fagbemi noted the correlation between free expression and broader human rights protection.

“Nations that enjoy high levels of free expression also tend to have stronger protection of civil, political, economic and social rights,” he said, warning that countries that restrict expression often witness widespread exclusion.

He emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees these freedoms under Section 39, while the 2011 Freedom of Information (FOI) Act further entrenches them.

He described the April 2025 Supreme Court judgment—which affirmed that the FOI Act applies to all arms and tiers of government—as a major victory for transparency.

The ruling, he said, “will ensure uniform implementation across the 36 states and the 774 local government councils.”

While reaffirming government’s commitment to protecting expression, he warned that “misinformation, disinformation and hate speech – especially in digital spaces – pose serious threats to national cohesion.”

He stressed that freedom must be exercised responsibly, and that government would continue to safeguard expression without allowing it to become a tool for violence or instability.

The minister also outlined ongoing reforms to make the justice system more efficient and accessible, strengthen civic education, and entrench accountability.

“When we defend freedom of expression and access to information, we are not just protecting rights – we are building a more just, inclusive and democratic Nigeria,” he said.

In his remarks, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, warned that human rights are increasingly under threat globally, often distorted through misinformation and false narratives.

While stressing that free expression is essential, he stressed that it must not be misused. “Freedom of expression does not mean a right to spread falsehoods, nor should fighting misinformation become an excuse for repressing journalism or silencing dissent,” he said.

Mignot lamented growing attacks on journalists in Nigeria, describing them as unacceptable.

He urged government to strengthen mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting crimes against journalists, including unresolved cases.

He added that democracy requires “informed citizens, a free press, strong institutions, and an empowered judiciary,” reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic and human rights initiatives.

Also speaking, Director of the African Legal Information Institute, University of Cape Town, Ms. Mariya Badeva-Bright, underscored the centrality of open legal access to rule of law and economic development. She warned that millions of Africans lack access to the laws governing them, creating a crisis of legal uncertainty.

Citing cases from Nigeria and across the continent, she noted that many police officers, magistrates and even lawyers work without access to updated legislation.

“How do we enforce rights no one can read?” she asked, stressing that inaccessible laws undermine justice, investment, and public trust.

Badeva-Bright highlighted African success stories, including Ghana’s rapid judicial digitisation and Tanzania’s expansive online legal databases, demonstrating the transformative impact of open legal information. She argued that Nigeria, as a digital leader, must extend its innovation to the justice sector.

As the event drew to a close, speakers reiterated that free expression, access to information, and open legal systems are not privileges but everyday essentials for democracy, development, and dignity.