Human rights in Nigeria

Human rights in Nigeria are protected under the current constitution of 1999. While Nigeria has made major improvements in human rights under this constitution, the American Human Rights Report of 2012 notes several areas where more improvement is needed, which includes: abuses by Boko Haram, killings by government forces, lack of social equality and issues with freedom of speech. The Human Rights Watch's 2015 World Report states that intensified violence by Boko Haram, restrictions of LGBTIQ rights and government corruption continue to undermine the status of human rights in Nigeria. In the period between Nigeria's independence in 1960 and return to democracy in 1999, the country had two Heads of State, one appointed, one military successor and 7 coups d'état i.e military junta. A coup d'état in simple terms means a war fought amongst military leaders heading a state to usurp or overthrow the incumbent head of state or head of government and take over power from them , either because the incumbent is a corrupt one or is incapable of fulfilling all his supposed agendas for the country within the specified time frame of his administration. In 1979, Nigeria adopted a presidential system to properly instate the right of choosing who rules them with a new constitution. This constitution guarantees fundamental human rights that are constantly in violation. The regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, among others, was noted for egregious human rights abuses. Although Nigeria has been active in signing and ratifying international human rights treaties over the years, it has seen challenges when trying to implement these treaties domestically. Nigeria operates under a dualist system and cannot apply international treaties unless they are ratified by the legislative houses in Nigeria. Furthermore, the Nigerian constitution protects civil and political rights, but international treaties like the African Charter also expand protection to cultural, socio-economic, and group rights.