1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is an update to the earlier report on the state of human rights violations monitored by the National Human Rights Commission following the declaration of the Covid-19 lockdown for the initial period of 31st March to 13 April 2020.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the 2020 World Press Freedom Day amidst the challenges posed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Tony Ojukwu has commended the efforts of Nigerian journalists in creating awareness and disseminating information on the COVID-19 Pandemic. This is despite the personal risks of exposure to the infection as well as violations of their human rights to freedom of press, health and life from state and non-state actors.

1.0 As a response to the covid-19 pandemic, the federal and state governments in Nigeria have put in place several measures including covid-19 Regulations 2020 and other Directives to cope with the pandemic. The Regulations and Directives also empowered the security agencies to ensure compliance and enforcement of the stay-at-home order following the lockdown. Given its mandate for the promotion and protection of human rights, the National Human Rights Commission on 30th March, issued Advisory to security agencies to respect human rights in the enforcement of Covid-19 Regulations.