The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has called on King Charles III to use President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom to highlight persistent human rights violations and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.

 

 

Tinubu’s visit, scheduled to focus on deepening diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation between Nigeria and the UK, as well as reinforcing ties within the Commonwealth, presents what SERAP describes as a “timely opportunity to place human rights, accountability, and the rule of law at the centre of bilateral and Commonwealth engagement”.

 

In a letter dated 18 March 2026 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the British monarch to “press for respect for the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria”.

 

 

SERAP expressed concern over the government’s increasing use of repressive laws and strategic lawsuits to intimidate journalists, activists, and critics. “The continuing application of the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation laws against peaceful expression contravenes Nigeria’s international human rights obligations,” the letter stated.

 

The group also highlighted the plight of internally displaced persons, IDPs, in northern states, including Benue, Borno, and Plateau, noting that many are denied fundamental rights such as freedom of movement, access to healthcare, and legal protections.

 

 

“Thousands of displaced Nigerians continue to face serious human rights challenges and are often excluded from decisions affecting their lives and future,” the letter read.

 

SERAP stressed that as a member of the Commonwealth, Nigeria is obliged to uphold values outlined in the Commonwealth Charter, including human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

 

“Respect for these values must be reflected in practice, not just in commitments,” the organisation added.

 

The letter urged King Charles III to leverage his moral authority to encourage human rights reforms, noting that “the credibility of the Commonwealth depends on the willingness of its members to uphold shared values.”

 

SERAP emphasised that Tinubu’s visit should not ignore the voices of Nigerians advocating for justice, accountability, and fundamental rights.

 

Highlighting ongoing concerns, SERAP cited the prosecution of activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, the 2024 detention of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, and the arrest of lawyer Dele Farotimi as examples of growing restrictions on civic space.

 

“No one should be arrested or prosecuted simply for peacefully exercising their human rights. Attacks on journalists and activists foster a climate of fear and undermine democratic accountability,” the letter read.

 

To address these challenges, SERAP urged King Charles III to press the Nigerian government to:

 

“Restore the rights of internally displaced persons, ensuring freedom of movement and voluntary participation in displacement camps.

 

“Guarantee that all Nigerians are treated with dignity and can freely enjoy their fundamental rights.

 

“Allow independent monitoring of IDP camps to protect residents from abuse and ensure their humanitarian needs are met.

 

“Establish consultative processes with displaced persons to allow informed decisions on resettlement and return.

 

“End arbitrary detention and ensure all procedures related to IDPs comply with legal safeguards and international human rights standards.

 

“Drop charges and release individuals detained solely for peacefully exercising freedom of expression, and reform laws to create a safe environment for activists and journalists.

 

“Cease harassment of journalists, activists, bloggers, and civil society organizations for exercising their rights.

 

“Withdraw strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP suits) filed against journalists, activists, and civil society organizations, including SERAP.”