Nigeria has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term after securing 172 votes out of 181 in a secret ballot conducted by the UN General Assembly on October 13, 2026.
The Federal Government announced the outcome in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday and signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi.
According to the statement, Nigeria was elected alongside 14 other countries and will serve a three-year term from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2029.
The 47-member council is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation to UN member states for supporting Nigeria’s candidature, adding that the country remained committed to upholding human dignity and fundamental freedoms.
“Nigeria reiterates its commitment to constructive multilateral engagement and supporting initiatives that uphold human dignity, justice and respect for fundamental freedoms,” the statement said.
It added that Nigeria’s election demonstrated international confidence in its human rights commitments.
“Nigeria’s election reflects international confidence in its commitment to advancing human rights and improving human rights conditions across the world”, the statement said.
The ministry also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with other council members to advance global human rights objectives.
“Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to sustaining dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect with Member States, and looks forward to working closely with Council Members in advancing the mandate of the Council and strengthening international efforts towards the promotion and protection of human rights”, the statement continued.
