ABUJA — Nigeria has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a three-year term spanning 2027 to 2029, securing 172 out of 181 votes cast during a secret ballot conducted by the UN General Assembly in New York.
In a formal statement released on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi announced that Nigeria was elected alongside 14 other member states to serve on the 47-nation body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights across the globe.
The Federal Government described the resounding voting record as a strong vote of international confidence in Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to human rights advocacy, fundamental freedoms, constructive multilateralism, and regional stability.
Following the announcement, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the diplomatic triumph, noting that the country’s election reflects successful foreign policy engagements and active international cooperation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to UN member states for supporting Nigeria’s candidature, affirming that Nigeria remains committed to collaborating closely with international partners to uphold human dignity, rule of law, and equity on the global stage throughout its 2027–2029 tenure.
