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Lawyers Alert

Headquartered in Nigeria, Lawyers Alert is a legal and human rights organization operating in six African countries: Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. We are a non-partisan and non-profit organization comprised of...

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LAWYERS ALERT HOLDS 1ST SRHR CONFERENCE

𝘛𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘚𝘙𝘏𝘙 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢, 𝘸𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘷𝘶𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘴 - Oluwatoyin Falaiye (Guest Speaker, 2024 SRHR Conference)

Our Vision

A world where women and vulnerable groups are free from injustice.

Our Mission

To empower women and vulnerable groups through knowledge of their rights and accessible means of enforcing the same.

Upcoming Events

Launch of People-Centred Public Safety Programme in Benue

What
We Do

- Legal Literacy Campaign

- Monitoring and Documentation of Human Rights

- Free Legal Assistance

- Advocacy

During our Legal Clinic at the Mega Camp in Benue State, our Associate Director of Legal, Victor Eboh, led participants through an engaging session on the effects of toxic masculinity and its impact within displaced communities. He explained how conflict and displacement often intensify harmful gender norms, creating environments where violence, control, and silence are normalized. In camp settings, these dynamics can heighten the vulnerability of internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly women, children, and young boys.

He further connected toxic masculinity to human rights violations commonly experienced in displacement contexts, including domestic violence, sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation, and denial of access to essential services. Victor emphasized that the stress, trauma, and economic hardship associated with displacement can aggravate negative coping mechanisms, making it even more critical to promote healthy models of masculinity rooted in respect, accountability, and equality.

In addition, he opened participants’ minds to the legal pathways available for reporting human rights violations within the camp and beyond. He provided practical guidance on identifying abuse, safely documenting incidents, and accessing trusted reporting channels, legal aid services, and protection mechanisms. The session empowered displaced persons with knowledge of their rights and reinforced the message that displacement does not diminish their entitlement to protection, dignity, and justice under the law.

As the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, gears up to launch the People-Centred Public Safety Programme on 24th February 2026, it is important to note the following:

1. The programme draws legitimacy from the Nigeria Police Act 2020, particularly its provisions on community policing, partnerships, intelligence sharing, and public accountability.

2. PCPS is a lawful, rights-based approach to strengthening collaboration between communities and formal security institutions, firmly grounded within Nigeria’s legal framework.

3. It is not a vigilante system.

4. It is not a parallel security structure.

5. It is not political.

Read more about the launch in the attached link.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/benue-lawyers-alert-institutionalize-rights-based-public-safety-initiative/

https://dailytrust.com/benue-to-institutionalise-new-security-model/

https://thesun.ng/lawyers-alert-unveils-people-centred-public-safety-programme-in-benue/?amp

https://www.thevoicenewspapers.com.ng/benue-govt-lawyers-alert-launch-people-centred-public-safety-awarenes

https://thecabal.ng/benue-launches-people-centred-public-safety-programme/

Press Statement by Dr Rommy Mom, President, Lawyers Alert
At the Press Conference on the Launch of the People-Centred Public Safety (PCPS) Programme, Makurdi, Benue State

Distinguished members of the press, partners in development, representatives of government, civil society colleagues, and citizens of Benue State:

Today, I address you on a matter of profound importance to the safety, dignity, and future of our communities, the People-Centred Public Safety (PCPS) Programme.

What is People-Centred Public Safety?

People-Centred Public Safety is a structured, community-driven public safety framework that places citizens, especially women, youth, and vulnerable groups, at the centre of security governance.
It is not a vigilante system.
It is not parallel security.
It is not political.

Rather, PCPS is a lawful, rights-based approach to strengthening collaboration between communities and formal security institutions, grounded firmly within Nigeria’s legal framework.

The programme draws legitimacy from the Nigeria Police Act 2020, particularly its provisions on community policing, partnership, intelligence sharing, and public accountability. The Act explicitly recognizes that effective policing requires community participation, transparency, and trust.

PCPS operationalizes these principles in a practical, structured manner.

It aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
The Nigeria Police Act 2020, Human rights obligations binding on Nigeria, and the Benue State Government’s mandate is to protect lives and property. Public safety cannot be achieved by force alone. It must be built on trust, accountability, and partnership.

The Benue Context.

Benue State has endured persistent insecurity, including attacks on rural communities, displacement, farmer-herder conflict, banditry, and communal violence. These challenges have strained relationships between communities and security institutions.

The question we asked was simple: How do we rebuild trust while strengthening security effectiveness? The answer was People-Centred Public Safety.

Experience and Success in Katsina-Ala and Guma
The PCPS pilot began in Katsina-Ala and Guma Local Governm

“.:. the official launch of the People Centred Public Safety Program by the Benue state Governor His Excellency Hyacinth Alia on the 24th of February, 2026, would signify government ownership and an institutional commitment to rights-based security governance.

This launch is not ceremonial. It represents government ownership of a tested security innovation and a public affirmation that security in Benue must be collaborative and accountable,”

…. Dr Rommy Mom, President, Lawyers Alert

Lawyers Alert Participates in Stakeholders’ Meeting Assessment of implementation of National TB Strategic Plan

LA recently participated in a stakeholders’ meeting organized by National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) to review the National Strategic Plan on Tuberculosis (2021–2026).

During the meeting, participants reviewed reports from various teams assessing the implementation of the plan across different states. The discussions also laid the groundwork for the development of a new national strategic plan, which will guide future interventions in the fight against tuberculosis in Nigeria.

Lawyers Alert’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting evidence-based health interventions and promoting accountability in public health initiatives.

During the maiden Security and Safety Briefing Meeting organized by the Community Policing Committee (CPC) in Guma Local Government Area, of Benue State, the District Head of Gbajimba, His Royal Highness Zaaki Emmanuel Iorkaa, publicly commended the Imam of the Muslim community in Gbajimba, Imam Muhammed Dogara, for his proactive role in preventing a potential security breach in the district. The recognition was given during the CPC session held in Gbajimba.

In his remarks, the District Head disclosed that the traditional council received credible reports of the Imam’s swift and decisive intervention, which prevented suspected invaders from gaining access into the community. He noted that the action helped avert what could have escalated into a serious security crisis, underscoring the importance of vigilance, collaboration, and timely response at the grassroots level.

The meeting, attended by Lawyers Alert as observers, demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based security structures. The CPC framework continues to strengthen early warning and early response systems, build trust between residents and security agencies, and enhance coordinated action to safeguard lives and property. The engagement forms part of the implementation of the CPC’s action plans within the local government area.

On 5–6 February 2026, Lawyers Alert, represented by Ifechi Aleke, Esq., participated in a high-level Stakeholders’ Meeting convened by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in Abuja to review and validate the second draft of the National Strategic Plan to Reduce Gender and Human Rights Barriers to HIV and TB Services in Nigeria.

The meeting brought together State AIDS Control Agencies, civil society organisations, community and key population networks, MDAs, development partners, and implementing organisations to strengthen a rights-based national response aimed at achieving Zero new HIV infections and Zero AIDS- and TB-related deaths.

Discussions focused on reducing stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings, improving access to justice and legal protection, strengthening sustainable financing, and enhancing community leadership, with emphasis on placing people most affected by HIV and TB at the centre of the response.

Lawyers Alert contributed human rights and legal empowerment perspectives, underscoring the need for national strategies aligned with global best practices and international human rights standards.

More feedback continues to emerge from participants at the two-day Rights-Based Reporting and Strategic Communication training for journalists in Ogun State, highlighting the programme’s impact and relevance. Participants expressed renewed confidence in their ability to report on reproductive rights issues with accuracy, ethical sensitivity, and professional responsibility.

The training was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of rights-based frameworks, sharpen strategic messaging skills, and equip media and communication professionals with practical tools to shape narratives that advance accountability, reproductive justice, and meaningful social change.

In our ongoing commitment to promote a stronger and more informed understanding of reproductive rights and justice, our Director (Legal), Barrister Bamidele Jacobs, made media appearances on Ogun State Broadcasting Service and Ogun State Television to address persistent misconceptions surrounding reproductive health, rights, and access to justice. The engagements formed part of broader public education efforts aimed at improving awareness and encouraging fact-based conversations on sensitive but important issues.

During the programmes, he clarified common myths and explained the legal and human rights foundations of reproductive rights, outlining existing protections, institutional responsibilities, and the consequences of misinformation. He stressed that stigma and false narratives often discourage people from seeking lawful services and accurate guidance, thereby creating avoidable risks for individuals and communities. He also highlighted the need for policies and practices that respect dignity, safety, and informed decision-making.

He further emphasized the vital role of the media in shaping public understanding, urging journalists and broadcasters to approach reproductive rights reporting with accuracy, context, and responsibility. The discussions opened space for public questions and practical clarification, helping to reset the narrative around reproductive justice and strengthen community awareness through credible, law-grounded information.

As part of our collaboration to empower communities for people-centred public safety, our Advisor (Legal), Solumtochukwu Ozobulu, facilitated a session on Lessons and Experience Sharing on Community Policing, following an invitation from Spaces for Change in Bayelsa State.

Drawing from practical experiences in Benue State, she highlighted how Lawyers Alert supported the establishment of Community Policing Committees and how these structures helped rebuild trust between communities and security agencies, strengthened peace and safety, and promoted inclusive, people-centred public safety in Katsina-Ala and Guma Local Government Areas of Benue State. Feedback from Community Policing Committee members was shared, offering concrete insights into how community policing works in practice.

The session reinforced the principle that effective community policing is built on trust, collaboration, and accountability. Reacting to the discussions, traditional leaders of the Amassoma and Ondewari Communities in Bayelsa State expressed their readiness to replicate the initiative in their communities. Their concern was not whether community policing works, but when it would be brought to Amassoma, a strong reminder that communities are ready for safety approaches that listen to them, involve them, and respond meaningfully to their realities.

Lawyers Alert Strengthens Male Allyship Through Capacity-Building Convening

Lawyers Alert participated in a two-day capacity-building convening on engaging male allies, organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) in collaboration with the Male Feminists Network (MFN) in Abuja.
The convening strengthened feminist organisations’ capacity to engage men and boys in feminist-informed, accountable ways. Lawyers Alert’s participation contributed practical insights and strategies to the MFN’s ongoing efforts to promote shared feminist principles, advance male allyship, and ensure that male engagement initiatives reinforce, rather than dilute, women’s leadership.
Through this collaboration, Lawyers Alert continues to amplify the work of the Male Feminists Network, advancing gender justice and preventing gender-based violence through ethical, women-led approaches that meaningfully engage men as allies.
#GenderJustice #FeministLeadership

Press Statement

Lawyers Alert Condemns the Public Parade, Humiliation, and Dehumanization of Young Men in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Lawyers Alert, a leading human rights and public interest law organization in Nigeria committed to advancing sexual and human rights of women, youth, and other marginalized groups, in collaboration with Media Health and Rights Initiative (MHR), a Nigerian non-profit media organization working to expand access to sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services, strongly condemns the recent public parade, humiliation, and dehumanization of young men in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, based on allegations regarding their sexual orientation.

Reports, pictures and videos flying all over social media indicate that at least six young men were publicly paraded, subjected to degrading treatment, and forced to carry placards bearing inscriptions such as “Say No to Gay,” “I will never have sex with a man again,” and other messages deliberately designed to strip them of their dignity and incite hatred, based solely on their alleged sexual orientation. The victims were further coerced into making verbal “confessions” of alleged sexual acts under intimidation, with whips visibly hanging over them.

This incident constitutes jungle justice, mob action, and a gross violation of fundamental human rights, including the rights to dignity, liberty, and freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment, as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.

No individual or group, whether acting in the name of culture, religion, morality, or law, has the authority to arrest, try, shame, or punish people in public. The forced parade of these young men amounts to mob justice, which is a criminal act under Nigerian law.

The Lawyers Alert team participated in a Pre-Review Meeting for the End-Term Review of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2021–2026, organised by World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP).

The meeting formed part of the independent review process of the TB NSP 2021–2026, which aims to assess progress against set targets and global benchmarks, identify key success stories and best practices, highlight challenges, gaps, and systemic barriers affecting performance, and provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation.

This engagement reinforces our commitment to accountability, evidence-based advocacy, and the strengthening of health systems in the fight against tuberculosis.

#LawyersAlert #TBResponse #Tuberculosis #HealthSystems #PublicHealth EvidenceBasedAdvocacy Accountability WHO NTBLCP NSP20212026 TBFreeNigeria

After the two-day training on rights-based reporting and strategic communication in Ogun State, participants have shared positive feedback on how the sessions have strengthened their knowledge. Many noted improved understanding of rights-based frameworks, ethical standards, and responsible storytelling, enabling them to report human rights issues with greater accuracy, balance, and sensitivity.

Participants also valued the strategic communication sessions, which enhanced their ability to frame impactful stories, engage audiences, and promote accountability. The practical, hands-on approach boosted their confidence and equipped them to apply rights-based principles effectively in their daily reporting.

Yesterday, we successfully concluded a two-day training on Rights-Based Reporting and Strategic Communication for journalists in Ogun State. The training was designed to strengthen journalists’ capacity to report ethically, accurately, and responsibly on human rights, reproductive rights, justice-sector issues, and other sensitive social concerns, while reinforcing the media’s critical role in advancing accountability, justice, and human dignity.

Over the two days, participants engaged in intensive, hands-on sessions on rights-based journalism, judicial reporting, ethical storytelling, reporting on reproductive rights, and strategic communication. Through practical exercises, real-life case studies, and peer discussions, journalists sharpened their ability to interpret court processes, interrogate laws and judgments, and frame complex issues in clear, compelling, and people-centred narratives that inform the public and drive positive change.

Participant feedback reflected a strong and immediate impact of the training. Many described a clear shift in how they understand and approach reporting, citing increased confidence to challenge harmful narratives, ask more critical questions, and centre rights and human dignity in their stories. Participants committed to applying the skills gained in their daily work, particularly in covering courts, gender-based violence, reproductive rights, health, and vulnerable communities, while sustaining the peer networks formed during the training for continued collaboration and mentorship.

Our President, Dr. Rommy Mom, yesterday facilitated a session at a CJID workshop in Abuja under the People-Centered Public Safety Project, training journalists from Benue, Bayelsa, and Abuja on public safety reporting.

Speaking on Community Policing and Civilian Oversight – The Benue Example, he shared lessons from community policing initiatives in Agatu, Katsina-Ala, and Guma LGAs, and emphasized the critical role of the media in early warning, public sensitization, accountability, peace messaging, and conflict de-escalation, reinforcing journalism’s impact in building safer communities.

The project is supported by the Open Society Foundation.

Wemimo Adewumi led participants through an interactive session on the importance of building a strong peer support and collaboration network for judicial correspondents at the Rights-Based Reporting and Strategic Communication training for journalists in Ogun State. The session emphasized the value of establishing a focused peer network to promote mentorship, information-sharing, and coordinated coverage, particularly when reporting on complex and sensitive reproductive rights cases.

Participants discussed the critical role of engagement with civil society and partner organisations in strengthening access to information and improving the quality of judicial reporting. The session also explored practical ways journalists can support one another to attend court hearings, consistently follow cases, and enhance accountability-focused reporting. As part of the exercise, participants jointly designed a contact-management template to help sustain collaboration and information-sharing beyond the training.

Our Director of Legal Services, Barrister Bamidele Jacobs, while taking participants through reporting from the courtroom at the Rights-Based Reporting and Strategic Communication training for journalists in Ogun State, Day 2, emphasized the importance of being knowledgeable about court procedures in order to avoid sanctions and ensure accurate reporting.

During the session, participants deepened their understanding of court processes, filings, rulings, and judgments, and learned how to identify newsworthy elements without distortion. The discussion also highlighted how to responsibly report procedural challenges in litigation with accuracy, balance, and proper context.

The second day of the Rights-Based Reporting and Strategic Communication training for journalists in Ogun State began with a recap of Day One, during which participants shared key lessons learned and reflected on how the training has shaped their knowledge. Participants noted that the sessions strengthened their understanding of rights-based approaches and would influence how they report on sensitive and complex issues, particularly reproductive rights and justice.

Adesola Oluworanti of OGBC FM shared that the lessons from Day One would significantly improve how she frames and tells stories related to reproductive rights and justice, adding that the training would enhance the depth, accuracy, and sensitivity of her coverage. Similarly, Olufemi Olusola of Roots FM stated that the training expanded his knowledge of human rights, especially reproductive rights, and better equipped him to report on these issues in a more informed and rights-centred manner.

The day’s final session focused on ethical journalism in reporting sensitive cases, addressing the challenges of covering reproductive health and women’s rights issues with accuracy, fairness, and care.

Participants learned the importance of protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of survivors, using respectful and non-harmful language, and avoiding biased or stigmatising narratives. The session also reinforced how media codes of ethics and judicial reporting standards serve as essential guides for responsible, rights-centred reporting.

Our Director Legal, Barrister Bamidele Jacobs, led an in-depth session guiding journalists through the appropriate and rights-based approach to engaging in difficult conversations around reproductive health and rights. The session focused on addressing strong and often emotive arguments, correcting prevalent myths and misinformation, and providing a clear overview of reproductive rights opposition in Nigeria, including its legal, cultural, and social dimensions.

Through guided discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, participants were equipped with strategies to respond effectively to anti-choice arguments using evidence-based, rights-centred, and context-sensitive approaches. The session further emphasised respectful engagement, clarity of messaging, and legal accuracy, enabling journalists to confidently shape balanced narratives that promote informed public discourse, protect human rights, and uphold ethical reporting standards.

During the second session, Wemimo Adewumi led an engaging and practical discussion on Ethical Journalism in Reporting Sensitive Cases, guiding participants through the core principles of accuracy, consent, confidentiality, and do-no-harm reporting. The session emphasised survivor-centred approaches, responsible language use, and the ethical obligations of journalists when covering reproductive health and other human rights concerns.

Participants were also taken through real-life scenarios and best practices for balancing public interest with dignity, safety, and respect for affected individuals.

Today, we commenced a two-day training on Rights-Based Reporting and Strategic Communication for judicial reporters in Ogun State, Nigeria. The training is designed to strengthen participants’ capacity to report accurately, ethically, and responsibly on reproductive rights issues. It aims to deepen understanding of rights-based frameworks, improve strategic messaging, and equip media and communication professionals with practical tools to shape narratives that promote accountability, reproductive justice, and social change.

In the first session of the day, our Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor, Isese Sor, engaged participants with an in-depth overview of the Pamoja Project, highlighting key milestones and progress made in advancing reproductive rights in Nigeria. The session provided valuable context on evidence-based advocacy, project impact, and the critical role of strategic communication in sustaining and expanding gains in reproductive health and rights.

#healthcarenotharm #maputoprotocol

Our Legal Officer, Mary Dzuamo Esq, participated in the official launch of the UK–FCDO SPRiNG Programme in Benue State on 20 January 2026. The programme is strategically designed to strengthen conflict prevention and management, promote social cohesion, and support climate-resilient livelihoods across communities in the state. Implemented by Tetra Tech International Development in partnership with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), HD, and Nextier SPD, SPRiNG adopts a collaborative and evidence-based approach to addressing the root causes of conflict and vulnerability.

The launch brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, and community actors, to align priorities and reinforce collective commitment to peacebuilding, resilience, and inclusive development in Benue State. Lawyers Alert remains committed to contributing its expertise in human rights, justice, and community engagement to support the effective implementation of the programme and ensure that peace and development interventions are people-centred and sustainable.

#lawyersalert #springprogramme #peacebuilding

Lawyers Alert, represented by Ifechi Aleke, participated in the review meeting of the Zero Draft of the National Strategic Plan aimed at reducing gender- and human rights–related barriers to HIV and TB services.

The meeting, organized by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), was held on January 21–22 and brought together key stakeholders to strengthen rights-based access to HIV and TB prevention, treatment, care, and support services across Nigeria.

The review process is an important step toward creating an enabling environment in which individual rights are respected and protected, while ensuring equitable and sustained access to HIV and TB prevention, treatment, care, and support services for all.

Our President, Dr. Rommy Mom, will be live on the Network Service of Radio Nigeria Kapital FM on Saturday, 24 January 2025, at 9:00 a.m. for a radio link interview focused on TB, HIV, and malaria as critical gender and human rights issues. Drawing lessons from Akwa Ibom and Benue States, the discussion will examine how these diseases disproportionately affect women and other vulnerable groups, the role of rights-based approaches in health responses, and the need for accountability and equity in access to care.

The conversation will also highlight community experiences and ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring health policies uphold dignity, justice, and the right to life.

The law is meant to protect and preserve life, not cause harm. How judges interpret the law matters; it can either protect people or put them at risk. The role of the courts is not to apply the law mechanically, but to uphold justice, dignity, and the right to life. Healthcare workers should be protected, not punished, for saving lives. Protecting them means protecting the right to life. Justice should heal, not harm. Forcing r@pe survivors to continue a pregnancy only deepens trauma and inequality. Interpret the law to protect, not to criminalise.

#MaputoProtocol #healthcarenotharm #righttocare

Post-abortion care saves lives and is a vital part of essential healthcare. Every woman, regardless of circumstance, has the right to safe, legal, and compassionate treatment that protects her health, dignity, and future. When a woman’s life is at risk, the law affirms her right to timely, medically appropriate, and life-saving care, not as a privilege, but as a matter of justice and human rights. Access to such care prevents avoidable deaths and complications, strengthens families, and ensures that no woman is forced to choose between her life and unsafe alternatives.

#safeabortionishealthcare #MaputoProtocol #healthcarenotharm

We facilitated a town hall meeting in Otukpo and Katsina Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State, bringing together LGA council officials and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to foster dialogue on participatory governance. Discussions centred on strengthening accountability, transparency, community monitoring, and effective project implementation at the local level.

The council officials in the two local governments described the engagement as both eye-opening and encouraging. They expressed surprise at the scale and impact of CBO-led initiatives in hard-to-reach communities, many of which had previously been unknown to the council. They noted that stronger collaboration between the council and CBOs could significantly enhance development outcomes across the LGAs and commended Lawyers Alert for creating a platform that connected grassroots efforts with local governance.

The town hall marked an important step toward bridging gaps between local authorities and grassroots actors, reinforcing a shared commitment to transparent governance and people-driven development in Otukpo and Katsina Ala LGA.

Local government officials also expressed readiness to explore and embrace partnerships with CBOs as a pathway to inclusive development. They assured participants of an open-door policy, encouraging CBOs to engage freely with the council, seek clarification on issues of concern, and work collaboratively to address community needs.

Feminism has grown beyond speaking only about women’s rights. Today, it is about standing up for fairness, dignity, and equal opportunities for everyone.

When men also lend their voices, the message becomes stronger. Together, we can speak as one and demand equality for all, no matter the gender.

So let’s stand together. Support the Male Feminist Network and be part of a movement that encourages men to join, support, and strengthen feminism for a more just society.

#feminismisequality

We’re back after the holidays, rested, renewed, and ready to continue the work that matters.

As we return, our commitment remains the same: to stand firm for justice and protect rights. Thank you for staying with us. The work continues.

We are back to work after the holidays, refreshed and ready to continue our mission. Our offices are now open, and we look forward to strengthening partnerships and making impacts in the year ahead. We remain committed to delivering on our goals and serving our communities with dedication, focus, and renewed energy.

As we step into the New Year, we carry with us hope, gratitude, and a firm belief in doing what is right. It’s a fresh chapter, one that calls us to keep standing for justice, dignity, and the protection of human rights.

May the year ahead bring peace to our communities, strength to our shared values, and progress we can all be proud of. Happy New Year from all of us at Lawyers Alert.

Together, we made impact possible. Through your support, partnership, and shared commitment, meaningful change reached communities, strengthened trust, and upheld dignity where it mattered most. Every effort this year was a reminder that progress is strongest when it is collective.

Thank you for being part of the journey. Your belief in our work continues to inspire action, resilience, and hope. As we look ahead, we remain grateful for your support and committed to moving forward together with purpose and integrity.

This Christmas season is a reminder of the enduring values that bind us together, compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity. As we reflect on the year, we give thanks for your steadfast support and shared commitment to building safer, fairer communities.

May the spirit of Christmas bring peace to your homes, strength to your work, and renewed hope for the year ahead.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Lawyers Alert.

Building on the successful engagements held in Guma and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas, Agatu LGA has officially committed to adopting the Community Policing Committee (CPC) model under the People-Centred Public Safety Project.

Here are the key highlights from our recent engagements across the three local government areas, showcasing growing community commitment to people-centred, public safety initiatives.

It’s the season of joy, gratitude, and reflection 🎄✨

As the year comes to a close, we celebrate the moments, milestones, and meaningful work that defined our journey. From strengthening community safety and advancing people-centred public safety initiatives to amplifying voices, building partnerships, and standing with communities in times of need, this year has been one of impact and purpose.

We are grateful to our partners, supporters, and communities who walked this path with us. As we embrace the holidays, we look forward with renewed energy, hope, and commitment to continue building safer, more inclusive communities in the year ahead.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Lawyers Alert.

Healthcare workers are often the last line of hope for women and girls seeking essential reproductive health services. When laws and systems punish providers for offering care, lives are placed at risk, and preventable suffering is normalised. Justice must protect those who act to preserve health and dignity, not criminalise them for fulfilling their professional and ethical duty.

Access to comprehensive reproductive health services is not a privilege but a public good that safeguards communities. Protecting healthcare providers ensures that women can receive timely, safe, and appropriate care without fear, stigma, or delay. When healthcare is supported rather than punished, society upholds life, responsibility, and the shared obligation to protect health for all.

#healthnotshame #safeabortionishealthcare #reproductivehealth

Season’s greetings from Lawyers Alert 🎄

As the year winds down, our offices will be on holiday from 19 December 2025, and we’ll be back to full operations on 5 January 2026.

Thank you for walking this journey with us throughout the year. Your support and collaboration mean a great deal to us. We wish you a joyful Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.

Marking our last day of work yesterday, we shared a drink as a team to mark the close of the year and celebrate the dedication, resilience, and collective effort that carried us through. It was a simple but meaningful moment of togetherness, one that reminded us of the strength found in collaboration and shared purpose.

The get-together created space to reflect on our achievements, appreciate each other’s contributions, and strengthen the bonds that make our work possible. As we head into the holidays, we do so with gratitude, renewed motivation, and optimism for the year ahead.

Health workers who provide reproductive care should be protected, not punished. Criminalizing their work undermines Nigeria’s obligation to protect life, health, and dignity. When laws and policies place fear on those trained to save lives, women and girls are the ones who suffer the consequences.

#reproductivehealthcare #savinglivesisnotacrime #healthcareprofessionals

When a young girl survives r@pe and becomes pregnant, denying her access to safe termination of pregnancy can put her life, health, and future at risk. In many cases, it forces survivors into unsafe procedures that lead to preventable injury or death. Safe termination of pregnancy is therefore not just a policy issue; it is a lifesaving public health and human rights response.

By ensuring access to safe, legal, and compassionate care, we protect the dignity and bodily autonomy of women and girls and provide critical support for survivors of gender-based violence. Saving lives and restoring hope should never be treated as a crime; it is a commitment to justice, health, and equality.

#savinglivesisnotacrime #STOP #womensrightsarehumanrights✊

Under our Laws, Rights and Community Empowerment for Social Change for TB, HIV, and Malaria Project, we have concluded a community engagements in Etinan and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, bringing together community members, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth, and health workers to examine gender barriers affecting access to TB, HIV, and Malaria services. The engagement created a safe space for participants to share lived experiences of stigma, inequality, and challenges within the health system that limit timely and equitable care.

Through facilitated discussions and group sessions, participants identified key gaps such as poor health-seeking behaviour, lack of youth-friendly services, financial constraints, and unfriendly attitudes from health workers. Beyond identifying problems, the engagement enabled communities to propose practical, locally driven solutions, including strengthened health education, improved male involvement, expanded youth-friendly services, and training for health workers on gender-responsive care.

The engagement is important because it places community voices at the centre of health planning and response. By strengthening collaboration between communities and health facilities, the outcomes will support more inclusive, responsive, and rights-based TB, HIV, and Malaria interventions, ultimately improving service uptake and advancing health equity in Akwa Ibom State.

#CommunityEngagement #GenderEquality #HealthEquity #TB #HIV #Malaria

In celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, we convened a webinar on Increasing Grassroots Fiscal Governance Against the Local Government Fiscal Autonomy in Nigeria. The event brought together experts, civic actors, and key stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges of fiscal autonomy at the local government level, with a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.

Panelists recommended the need to strengthen citizen oversight of local government finances, improve public access to budget and expenditure information, institutionalize community participation in budgeting processes, and enhance the capacity of local government officials to manage public resources responsibly.

If you missed it, you can listen here. https://www.lawyersalertng.org/post/webinar_-deepening-local-government-financial-autonomy-for-effective-grassroots-accountability-in-ni

Lawyers Alert strengthens grassroots advocacy through a three-day step-down training in Ningi, Miri, and Toro Local Government Areas, Bauchi, empowering men and boys to advance gender equality, promote positive masculinity, and drive collective action for gender justice and sustainable social change.

This step-down training served as a strategic follow-up to the Training of Trainers (ToT) for members of the Male Feminists Network, aimed at cascading knowledge, skills, and advocacy tools to the community level while reinforcing local ownership of gender-transformative initiatives.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions, group discussions, and practical exercises that examined gender norms, power relations, prevention of gender-based violence, and mechanisms for community accountability. The training placed strong emphasis on advocacy, community mobilization, and sustaining meaningful male engagement, equipping participants to serve as change agents and strengthen grassroots efforts toward gender equality and social justice.

Our Senior Communications Officer Linus Egwu for the past two days participated in the Peace Communication and Resilience Building Masterclass organized by Dataphyte for grassroots media practitioners and other key stakeholders, an engagement that strengthened both individual capacity and institutional commitment to peacebuilding.

The Masterclass provided practical guidance on peace communication, conflict-sensitive reporting, early-warning messaging, and responsible engagement with communities affected by insecurity.

The session offered concrete tools for shaping accurate narratives, documenting community-level safety efforts, and ensuring that communication supports prevention rather than escalation.

The Masterclass directly reinforces the goals of our People-Centered Public Safety Project. The knowledge gained will strengthen our objective of improving community awareness of safety structures, supporting timely information sharing at the grassroots, promoting trust between citizens and security actors, and ensuring that communication remains people-focused, preventive, and accountable. This alignment helps ensure that the project stays true to its core objective of empowering communities as active partners in their own safety.

Yesterday, during the Peace Communication and Resilience Building Masterclass organized for grassroots media and other key stakeholders by Dataphyte, our President, Dr. Rommy Mom, highlighted the far-reaching impact of the People-Centered Public Safety Project implemented in Benue State.

He underscored the crucial role of Community Policing Committees (CPCs), describing them as vital community-level structures that foster safety, prevent conflict, and strengthen trust between citizens and security actors. He noted that these committees have become dependable agents of early intervention, helping communities identify risks before they escalate into violence.

Dr. Rommy also emphasized the importance of strong collaboration between the CPCs, the media, and other stakeholders. Such partnerships, he explained, create effective channels for early-warning information sharing, public sensitization, safety education, accountability, and oversight elements that are essential for sustaining peace and community resilience.

He urged participants to view the Masterclass as a platform to deepen their contribution to peacebuilding within their communities.

He also encouraged the replication of the CPC model across other states, noting that its success in Benue demonstrates the transformative impact that community-led safety structures can have when supported by transparent communication and active stakeholder engagement.

Our People Centered Public Safety Project is supported by the open society Foundation.

FINAL CALL
Applications for the position of Program Officer – Sexual, Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) close today.

To apply, kindly send all relevant documents to hr@lawyersalertng.org.

Join a team of dedicated professionals committed to advancing human rights and strengthening community well-being across Nigeria.

Agatu LGA has officially committed to setting up a Community Policing Committee under the People Centered Public Safety Project.
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‎During a stakeholder engagement led by Lawyers Alert, key groups, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, women leaders, youth, persons with disabilities, and security agencies all agreed that setting up a Community Policing Committee will greatly help to improve the security of their LGA.
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‎Associate Director of Lawyers Alert, Victor Eboh, provided an in-depth explanation of Public Safety, noting that the concept varies across communities. He outlined what the Community Policing Committee entails, the stakeholders required for its effectiveness, their roles, and the need to ensure representation from all ten wards in Agatu.
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‎Representatives of the traditional council, Chief Jo. Edoh and the LGA pledged full support, noting that the project will greatly improve security and help identify competent members for the committee ahead of its rollout next year.
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‎The People Centered Public Safety Project is funded by Open Society Foundations

On 8 December 2025, we proudly partnered with the National Human Rights Commission during the NHRC@30 Civil Society & Human Rights Defenders Forum and Human Rights Expo, a landmark gathering celebrating three decades of the Commission’s work in safeguarding human rights in Nigeria.

As part of this partnership, we joined the Commission and UNHCR to co-host a session on addressing discrimination and vulnerabilities in IDP communities, using Benue State as a case study. The discussion exposed the stark realities of insecurity, insufficient state protection, and prolonged displacement. Together with our partners, we underscored the need to strengthen the social contract between citizens and government, intensify advocacy to policymakers, and expand psychosocial support for displaced persons.

Deepening this joint effort, our President, Dr. Rommy Mom, participated in a high-level panel with other national stakeholders to review NHRC’s achievements and outline a forward-looking strategy for the next 30 years of human rights protection in Nigeria.

We, alongside our partners, were also recognized for our contributions to promoting and defending human rights across the country.

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