So, what are the rights and responsibilities every Nigerian citizen should know?
THE FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS (JUSTICIABLE RIGHTS)
Fundamental rights are the basic freedoms guaranteed to every individual under Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). They are justiciable rights because they are legally enforceable and protect the dignity, liberty, and well-being of all citizens and residents.
| Right | What this means | |
| 1 | Right to Life (Section 33) | Every person has the right to live and no one should unlawfully take their life. |
| 2 | Right to Dignity of human person (Section 34) | Everyone must be treated with respect and should not be tortured, abused, or treated in a degrading way. |
| 3 | Right to Personal Liberty (Section 35) | No one should be arrested, detained, or imprisoned without a lawful reason. |
| 4 | Right to Fair Hearing (Section 36) | Everyone has the right to be heard and treated fairly before any decision is made against them. |
| 5 | Right to Privacy (Section 37) | Your home, family, phone calls, and personal information should be respected and protected. |
| 6 | Right to Freedom of thought, conscience and Religion (Section 38) | Everyone is free to choose, practice, or change their religion or beliefs. |
| 7 | Freedom of Expression and the Press (Section 39) | Everyone has the right to express their opinions and share information freely within the law. |
| 8 | Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association (Section 40) | People can meet peacefully, join groups, associations, or political parties of their choice. |
| 9 | Right to Freedom of Movement (Section 41) | Every Nigerian can move freely and live in any part of the country. |
| 10 | Right to Freedom from Discrimination (Section 42) | No one should be treated unfairly because of their ethnic group, religion, gender, place of origin, or other personal characteristics. |
| 11 | Right to acquire and own immovable Property anywhere in Nigeria (Section 43) | Every Nigerian can buy and own land or property in any part of the country. |
| 12 | Protection from Seizure (Section 44) | The government cannot take your property without a lawful reason and proper compensation. |
Understanding these rights is important because many people only think about them when problems arise. But knowledge before challenges occur is what truly empowers citizens. When people know their rights, they can recognise injustice, demand accountability, and protect themselves and others. It is this awareness that transforms individuals from passive observers into active participants in society.
However, citizenship is not complete without responsibility. While rights protect individuals, responsibilities ensure that society functions properly. A responsible citizen understands that living in a community comes with obligations to others and to the country as a whole.
Duties & Responsibilities of a Citizen: What You Owe Your Country
| Duty | What It Means |
| Obey the Law | Follow the laws of the country to help maintain peace, order, and security. |
| Respect the Rights of Others | Treat everyone fairly and respect their rights, beliefs, and freedoms. |
| Participate in Civic Life | Vote, engage in community activities, and stay informed about public issues. |
| Protect Public Property | Take care of public facilities such as roads, schools, hospitals, and other shared resources. |
| Promote Peace and Unity | Live peacefully with others, tolerate differences, and avoid actions that cause conflict. |
| Pay Taxes and Contribute to Development | Pay taxes and support national development through lawful work, business, and community service. |
| Respect National Symbols | Show respect for the Constitution, national flag, anthem, and other national symbols. |
| Assist Lawful Authorities | Cooperate with law enforcement and other lawful authorities in maintaining peace and order. |
| Protect the Environment | Keep your surroundings clean and help protect natural resources for future generations. |
| Promote Good Values | Be honest, responsible, and uphold values that strengthen families and communities. |
| Defend Nigeria When Required | Support the defence and security of the country when called upon by law. |
| Report Crime and Wrongdoing | Report criminal activities and actions that may threaten the safety of others or the nation. |
All of these responsibilities show that citizenship is not passive. It requires active participation, awareness, and commitment. When citizens fulfil their duties, society becomes more stable, more peaceful, and more progressive.
In the end, citizenship is not just about belonging to a country. It is about actively participating in building it. Rights give citizens protection and voice, while responsibilities ensure order and progress. When both are understood and practiced together, society becomes stronger, fairer, and more united for everyone.
PARTNERS WEST AFRICA NIGERIA WORKS TO BRIDGE THE GAP BY HELPING CITIZENS UNDERSTAND GOVERNANCE, PARTICIPATION, AND ACCOUNTABILITY. AN INFORMED CITIZEN IS BETTER EQUIPPED TO CONTRIBUTE MEANINGFULLY TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
Written by:
Hadiza Abubakar. U
