Speaking during a roundtable to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, on Tursday at the Commission’s headquaters, Dr. Ojukwu emphasized the urgent need to regulate the use of AI technologies that can generate and amplify harmful narratives. He acknowledged the dual nature of AI as a tool for both innovation and potential harm, especially when used to spread hate speech rapidly and anonymously.
“Let us not allow algorithms to shape our humanity. We must remain vigilant, we must remain united, and we must act online and offline in defence of dignity, truth and justice,” Ojukwu declared.
The theme of this year’s commemoration, “Hate Speech and Artificial Intelligence,” underscores the intersection of human rights and emerging technologies. Dr. Ojukwu stressed that while freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of democracy, hate speech—particularly in its digital form—violates the rights to dignity, non-discrimination, and safe participation in public life.
Highlighting the Commission’s actions against hate speech, Chinedu said that in response to the evolving landscape of digital hate speech, the NHRC has implemented a number of initiatives namely:
- The MOVE Project during the 2023 elections aimed to counter hate speech as a barrier to inclusive voter participation.
- The National Hate Speech Register was created to track and respond to incidents nationwide in real-time.
- The Commission conducted specialized media monitoring training and issued a media advisory promoting ethical reporting and journalism.
- In April 2025, NHRC released an Advisory Opinion on the Protection of Freedom of Expression, in response to concerns about the Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024.
Precise Post recalls that the NHRC plans to deepen its engagement with technology companies, regulators, and civil society to develop a national framework on the ethical use of AI and digital technologies. The framework will address algorithmic accountability, transparency in content moderation, and human rights protections in areas such as elections, youth engagement, and social media governance.
Dr. Ojukwu concluded by urging stakeholders—especially the media, youth, and tech platforms—to partner with the Commission in building a Nigeria where technology serves human dignity, not division.
“The threat of hate speech in the digital age is real. But so too is the power of solidarity, informed voices, and ethical leadership,” he said.
The event was held in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, and the broader United Nations system in Nigeria.
