The Federal Government has urged the Indian government to ensure the welfare, dignity and protection of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians currently held in prisons and other custodial facilities across the country.
The appeal was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a meeting with a high-level delegation from the National Human Rights Commissions of Nigeria and India in Abuja.
The meeting followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries’ National Human Rights Commissions to strengthen cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that Nigerians in detention deserve humane treatment and that their fundamental rights must be respected, regardless of the allegations against them.
The minister described the agreement as an opportunity for both countries to deepen institutional collaboration and improve human rights protection.
She also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international human rights obligations, following the country’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term.
The development comes amid growing concerns over Nigerians detained in India. In September 2026, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, disclosed that the Nigerian mission had visited 198 Nigerian detainees across five correctional facilities in Maharashtra.
Some detainees reportedly raised concerns about delays in court proceedings, limited access to legal representation, alleged discrimination and inadequate medical attention.
The Federal Government is expected to continue diplomatic engagement with Indian authorities to address concerns surrounding the treatment and welfare of Nigerians in detention.
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