The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on King Charles III to use President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom to address what it describes as worsening human rights conditions and shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
In an open letter dated March 18, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said the high-level engagement presents a critical opportunity to prioritise accountability, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms within Nigeria-UK relations.
Call to put human rights at centre of talks
SERAP noted that while Tinubu’s visit is expected to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation, it should also bring human rights issues to the forefront of bilateral and Commonwealth discussions.
“The state visit presents an important opportunity… to press for respect for the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria,” the group stated.
Concerns over repression and civic space
The organisation raised alarm over the increased use of restrictive laws, including the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation provisions, which it says are being deployed to silence journalists, activists, and critics.
SERAP pointed to cases involving prominent figures such as Omoyele Sowore, Daniel Ojukwu, and Dele Farotimi as examples of what it described as a growing clampdown on free expression.
It also cited reports of attacks, arrests, and harassment of journalists, particularly during protests, warning that such actions undermine democratic accountability.
Plight of displaced persons highlighted
Beyond civil liberties, SERAP expressed deep concern over the conditions of internally displaced persons in states such as Benue State, Borno State, and Plateau State.
According to the group, thousands of displaced Nigerians face restricted movement, limited access to healthcare, and lack of legal protections, while also being excluded from decisions about their resettlement.
Seven-point reform demand
SERAP urged King Charles III to encourage Nigerian authorities to take concrete steps, including:
- Restoring full rights and dignity of displaced persons
- Ensuring independent monitoring of IDP camps
- Ending arbitrary detention and unlawful “screening” practices
- Dropping charges against individuals detained for peaceful expression
- Reforming laws that restrict freedom of speech
- Halting intimidation of journalists and civil society groups
- Withdrawing lawsuits targeting activists and organisations
Commonwealth values under scrutiny
The group stressed that Nigeria, as a member of the Commonwealth, is obligated to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, warning that failure to do so could weaken the credibility of the bloc.
“This state visit should not overlook the voices of Nigerians calling for justice and accountability,” SERAP said, urging the British monarch to use his moral authority to push for meaningful reforms.
As President Tinubu continues his engagements in the UK, attention is now turning to whether human rights concerns will feature prominently in high-level discussions between both nations.
