The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on King Charles III to use the upcoming state visit of Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom as an opportunity to address ongoing human rights concerns in Nigeria.
In a letter dated March 18, 2026, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the British monarch to press the Nigerian government to uphold the rule of law and protect fundamental human rights. SERAP described the visit as a critical moment to place accountability, civic freedoms, and democratic values at the forefront of bilateral and Commonwealth engagements.
The group expressed concern over what it described as a growing crackdown on civic space, citing the increasing use of laws such as the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation statutes to target journalists, activists, and critics. According to SERAP, these practices contradict Nigeria’s international human rights obligations and undermine freedom of expression.
It also drew attention to the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in states such as Benue, Borno, and Plateau, where many reportedly face restrictions on movement and limited access to healthcare and legal protections. SERAP noted that thousands of displaced citizens remain excluded from decisions affecting their welfare and future.
As a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Nigeria is expected to uphold principles enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter, including respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. SERAP stressed that these commitments must go beyond rhetoric and be reflected in actual governance.
The organisation further urged King Charles III to leverage his moral authority to encourage meaningful reforms, noting that the credibility of the Commonwealth depends on its members’ adherence to shared values.
Highlighting specific cases, SERAP referenced actions involving Omoyele Sowore, the detention of journalist Daniel Ojukwu, and the arrest of lawyer Dele Farotimi as examples of increasing pressure on civic actors. It warned that such actions create a climate of fear and weaken democratic accountability.
SERAP called for concrete measures, including ending arbitrary detentions, protecting freedom of expression, allowing independent monitoring of IDP camps, and withdrawing lawsuits targeting civil society actors.
