The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has described hate speech as a violation of the fundamental human rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during the commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
He stated that this year’s theme, “Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence,” calls attention to the growing intersection between technology and human rights, and invites reflection on the double-edged nature of artificial intelligence as both a tool for development and a possible amplifier of harmful narratives, including hate speech.
“As the lead institution charged with the protection and promotion of human rights in Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission asserts the intricate relationship between hate speech and human rights. In its base form, hate speech may appear to illustrate freedom of expression. However, in its impact, hate speech violates the rights to dignity and freedom from discrimination,” he said.
Dr. Ojukwu expressed deep concern over the increasing spread of hate speech, particularly in more dangerous forms enabled by digital technologies powered by AI. He stressed that hate speech is not just a threat to individual dignity but a direct attack on democratic values and social cohesion, infringing on the rights to dignity, freedom from discrimination, and public participation without fear.
He highlighted key measures the NHRC has taken over the years to tackle hate speech. These include the Mobilising Voters for Elections (MOVE) Project launched ahead of the 2023 general elections to promote voter inclusion, which identified hate speech as a major obstacle to electoral participation. The Commission also established the National Hate Speech Register to track incidents and trends in real time and has trained staff across the country to monitor and report hate speech in both traditional and digital media.
In addition, the Commission issued an Advisory on the Role of Media in Countering and Reporting Hate Speech, aimed at strengthening responsible journalism. In April 2025, it released a major Advisory Opinion on the Protection of the Right to Freedom of Expression in Nigeria, particularly in response to concerns over Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024, which was criticized for curbing free speech.
Dr. Ojukwu warned that the challenges extend beyond traditional platforms, noting that generative AI is reshaping the way information is produced, consumed, and disseminated. He said the same technologies that enable innovation can also be exploited to generate, amplify, and spread hate speech with alarming speed and reach.
He cited the risks posed by algorithmic targeting, manipulated images, deepfakes, and bots that circulate hateful content while evading current regulatory frameworks. These tools, he said, can incite violence and reinforce harmful stereotypes, posing a threat to rights such as privacy, as guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.
Looking ahead, he said the NHRC is expanding its work in this area by exploring AI-based tools for early detection of hate speech and misinformation. He added that the Commission is partnering with tech platforms and regulatory agencies to promote transparency in algorithmic content moderation and enforce accountability. Efforts are also underway to develop a national framework for the ethical use of AI and digital technologies that upholds human rights, especially in the contexts of youth engagement, elections, and social media governance.
