The Federal Government has urged India to guarantee the welfare, dignity and fundamental human rights of Nigerians held in custodial centres across the country, as Nigeria and India deepen institutional cooperation through a new human rights agreement signed in Abuja on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal during a meeting with a joint high-level delegation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria and its Indian counterpart at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

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The minister expressed concern over the conditions and treatment of Nigerians serving in detention facilities in India, stressing that their circumstances should not deprive them of access to justice, essential services and humane treatment.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, by the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Odumegwu-Ojukwu called on the Indian government to pay particular attention to the welfare and protection of vulnerable Nigerian citizens in its custody.

“The MoU on Cooperation between the NHRCs is a timely initiative for the translation of the longstanding Nigeria-India relations into practical institutional cooperation on the promotion of human rights,” she said.

She added: “I call on the Indian government to ensure the humane and proper treatment of Nigerian citizens serving in custodial centres in the country, and that they receive appropriate attention to their welfare, dignity and fundamental human rights.”

The appeal formed part of discussions surrounding a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the human rights commissions of both countries to strengthen cooperation, institutional capacity and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

The agreement is expected to facilitate technical exchanges, joint research, institutional learning and the sharing of best practices in human rights administration.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the partnership should translate longstanding diplomatic relations between Nigeria and India into practical measures that improve access to justice and strengthen complaint-handling mechanisms.

She also highlighted the importance of protecting people in vulnerable circumstances, particularly those who may struggle to access essential support and legal assistance.

The minister further noted that Nigeria and India, as members of the Global South, could contribute to a more inclusive international human rights system through constructive engagement and shared institutional experiences.

The Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Chief Anthony Ojukwu, also described the agreement as an important framework for improving cooperation between the two institutions.

Ojukwu said the partnership would cover complaint-management systems, human rights compliance in security sector governance and joint research into international law and emerging human rights concerns.

He also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that international human rights standards are reflected in Nigeria’s treaty obligations and diplomatic engagements.

On the Indian side, the Chairperson of India’s National Human Rights Commission, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, described the agreement as an opportunity for both institutions to strengthen their working relationship.

Ramasubramanian pointed to similarities between Nigeria and India, including their large populations, ethnic and religious diversity, cultural heritage and democratic aspirations.

He said these shared experiences provided a useful foundation for institutional learning, capacity development and the exchange of practical approaches to human rights protection.

The delegation was jointly led by Ojukwu and Ramasubramanian during the courtesy visit to the Nigerian foreign affairs minister.

The agreement also comes against the backdrop of broader discussions between Abuja and New Delhi over the welfare and consular circumstances of Nigerians living in India.

During bilateral discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, in September 2026, Odumegwu-Ojukwu had raised concerns about Nigerians who had overstayed their visas.

She sought an extension of an existing amnesty arrangement to enable affected Nigerians to return home voluntarily without penalties.

Both ministers also discussed a possible agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons between the two countries.

The latest human rights initiative therefore provides another avenue for addressing issues affecting Nigerian citizens abroad, particularly those who require consular assistance, legal protection or support while in foreign custody.

Nigeria’s renewed engagement with India also follows its election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027 to 2029 term.

The country secured 172 votes out of 181 in the October 13 election, earning a place among 15 countries elected to the 47-member council. Its new three-year tenure is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation to UN member states for supporting Nigeria’s candidature, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

She said Nigeria would continue to promote objectivity, non-selectivity and constructive international engagement in advancing fundamental freedoms.

Beyond its diplomatic significance, the Nigeria-India agreement places renewed attention on the practical responsibilities of both countries towards citizens whose circumstances make them particularly vulnerable, including Nigerians held in foreign detention facilities.

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However, the extent to which the new partnership will improve conditions for Nigerians in Indian custody will depend on how effectively both commissions translate their commitments into monitoring, complaint resolution and concrete support for affected individuals.