COMBATING XENOPHOBIA IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF DOMESTIC, REGIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The concept of xenophobia is an extreme dislike or fear of foreigners, their customs and their religion. This study critically evaluates the effectiveness of domestic, regional, and international institutions in protecting non-nationals against xenophobia in Nigeria. Despite the fact that Nigeria possesses a comprehensive legal framework including constitutional guarantees under Chapter IV, domestication of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and ratification of key international anti-discrimination treaties, incidents of discriminatory administrative practices and arbitrary treatment persist. Using a doctrinal and analytical methodology, this study examines the roles of Nigerian courts, the National Human Rights Commission, immigration authorities, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, and relevant African human rights bodies. Furthermore, the study highlights gaps between normative commitments and practical enforcement including limited access to remedies, weak coordination between institutions, inconsistent compliance with regional decisions and political insensitivities surrounding migration governance. While Nigeria’s framework aligns with international standards, enforcement deficits significantly undermine the protection of non-nationals. Consequently, the study concludes by proposing practical institutional and legislative reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, improving access to justice, and ensuring effective implementation of anti-discrimination norms.