Nigeria will serve on the Geneva-based council from January 2027 to December 2029 after securing strong support in the United Nations General Assembly election.
Nigeria has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2027, after securing 172 votes in an election held by the UN General Assembly.
The election took place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, with Nigeria among 15 countries selected to serve on the 47-member council from 2027 to 2029.
According to the Federal Government, Nigeria received 172 votes out of 181 valid ballots cast in the election.
The result secures Nigeria a seat on the Geneva-based body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.
Nigeria among four African countries elected
Nigeria was elected alongside Burundi, Ghana and Zambia, which secured the four seats allocated to the African regional group.
The council’s membership is determined through elections by the UN General Assembly, with seats distributed among regional groups to ensure geographical representation.
Nigeria’s election gives the country another opportunity to participate in international deliberations on human rights, civil liberties and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
Expectations for Nigeria’s new term
The Federal Government welcomed the result, describing it as a reflection of confidence among UN member states in Nigeria’s participation in international human rights affairs.
Membership of the council will require Nigeria to engage with other countries on human rights concerns, international cooperation and efforts to strengthen accountability.
The development also places renewed attention on Nigeria’s own human rights record, including issues relating to security operations, access to justice, freedom of expression and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Nigeria’s three-year term will begin on January 1, 2027, and end on December 31, 2029.