Nigeria Scores Poorly in Global Human Rights Ranking as Education, Healthcare and Employment Indicators Decline
Nigeria has once again come under international scrutiny after a new global human rights assessment revealed poor performance across several key indicators measuring the quality of life and protection of citizens’ rights.
According to the 2026 Rights Tracker report released by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI), Nigeria continues to struggle in areas such as education, healthcare, housing, employment, food security, and civil liberties despite being Africa’s largest economy.
The report placed Nigeria in the “very bad” category across multiple economic and social rights indicators, highlighting the gap between the country’s economic potential and the realities experienced by millions of citizens.
Education Records One of the Lowest Scores Globally
One of the most alarming findings in the report is Nigeria’s education performance. The country recorded just 5.8 percent for the right to quality education, making it one of the lowest-ranked nations globally.
HRMI explained that the score means Nigeria is achieving only a small fraction of what it should be capable of delivering in education outcomes considering its current income level.
Nigeria has continued to face serious educational challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, insecurity, and millions of children remaining outside the classroom.
Food, Housing and Employment Remain Major Challenges
The report further showed that Nigeria scored 58.6 percent on the right to food, 48.8 percent on health, 41 percent on housing, and only 34.9 percent on the right to work.
These indicators were all classified as “very bad,” suggesting that many Nigerians still struggle to access basic necessities and economic opportunities.
The country’s weakest area was employment, reflecting persistent unemployment, underemployment, and limited opportunities for decent jobs.
HRMI officials stated that significant policy reforms would be required to improve living conditions and guarantee better access to economic opportunities for citizens.
Slow Improvement in Healthcare Services
Although the report noted slight improvements in healthcare outcomes over the years, progress has remained slow.
Nigeria recorded 67.2 percent in child health, 57.1 percent in adult health, and only 22 percent in reproductive health services.
The low reproductive health score highlights continuing challenges in maternal healthcare, family planning, and access to quality reproductive services.
Nigeria’s healthcare sector continues to battle inadequate funding, shortage of medical personnel, poor infrastructure, and the increasing migration of healthcare workers abroad.
Concerns Over Human Rights Violations
The report also raised concerns about civil and political rights in Nigeria.
The country scored 5.9 out of 10 on the Safety from the State index, which measures protection against arbitrary arrests, torture, unlawful detention, forced disappearance, and extrajudicial killings.
Human rights experts involved in the assessment identified journalists, activists, human rights defenders, and individuals accused of political violence as groups facing increased risks of rights violations.
Several civil society organizations have repeatedly expressed concerns about shrinking civic space, harassment of journalists, and restrictions on freedom of expression.
Political Freedoms Show Little Progress
Nigeria scored 5.6 out of 10 on the Empowerment Index, which evaluates freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, political participation, and association.
According to the report, little progress has been made in protecting these freedoms in recent years.
Opposition political parties and their supporters were also identified as groups vulnerable to political rights violations.
Human rights experts believe the findings should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and government officials.
Nigeria Performs Below Regional Average
HRMI stated that Nigeria performs below the average for Sub-Saharan African countries when measured against what is achievable with its level of national income.
The organization noted that the country’s poor performance cannot be explained solely by economic limitations but also points to governance and policy challenges.
Despite being one of Africa’s largest economies, millions of Nigerians continue to face difficulties accessing quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, housing, and other fundamental rights.
As of the time of this report, the Federal Government has not officially responded to the findings.
The latest assessment is expected to reignite conversations about governance, accountability, and the need for stronger investments in education, healthcare, job creation, and the protection of citizens’ rights across Nigeria.