Who we are

Across the Globe, We Are United in Our Dedication to Human Rights

Who We Are

Basic Rights Watch (BRW) is a Nigeria-based non-governmental organization (NGO) ‎founded in 2016.‎

Basic Rights Watch (BRW) is a Nigerian Knowledge organization, established with a vision of a Nigeria where social justice informs public decision making and guarantees respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. BRW has two (2) mandates. First, to utilize data, technology and creative ideas to simplify and communicate public policy/information to empower marginalized groups and communities to take action for social change. Second, to contribute to peace building and climate change efforts, restoration of livelihoods and promotion of transitional justice systems and processes in conflict torn areas.

THE PACE SERIES

You must know your rights before you can demand it. Public Accountability and Civic Engagement [PACE SERIES] is our annual event to enlighten active citizens on their fundamental human rights especially in relation to open financial government and also take action on behalf of local communities that have gross capital challenges.

This event is organized to mobilize citizens from different works of life to take action by witting FOI letters, signing petitions and postcards, send emails, tweets and Facebook posts.

Our letters, words, and actions will put pressure on authorities to take immediate action, and provide social amenities in marginalized and poor local communities.

OUR cause

— Our Mission

— Our Vision

Basic Rights Watch envisions a Nigeria where social justice is ingrained in the fabric of society, where every individual’s human rights and fundamental freedoms are upheld and respected. We aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, leveraging data, technology, and innovative approaches to empower marginalized communities and advocate for equitable public policies. Through our dedication to peacebuilding, climate action, and transitional justice, we strive to foster a nation where conflicts are resolved, livelihoods are restored, and sustainable development thrives.

— Our Story

Empowering Communities, Building Peace

In the bustling streets of Nigeria, amidst the cacophony of voices clamoring for justice, Basic Rights Watch (BRW) emerged as a beacon of hope, driven by a vision of a nation where social justice reigns supreme and every individual’s rights are safeguarded.

Founded on the principles of equality, empowerment, and resilience, BRW began its journey as a grassroots movement, fueled by the passion and dedication of a diverse group of activists, scholars, and changemakers. United by a common purpose, we set out to tackle the pressing issues facing our society head-on, armed with a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.

Get Involved

Join us in our mission to combat climate change and create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Whether you are a concerned citizen, a community leader, or a policymaker, there are many ways to get involved:

Educate Yourself: Learn more about climate change and its impacts on the environment, economy, and society.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Take action to reduce your carbon footprint by conserving energy, using public transportation, recycling, and supporting renewable energy sources.

Advocate for Change: Speak out for policies and initiatives that promote climate action, renewable energy, and environmental protection.

Support Our Work: Donate to support our climate change initiatives and help us make a difference in the fight against climate change.

Together, we can make a difference and build a more sustainable future for all.

Our Board

Salaudeen Hashim

Board Chairman

Salaudeen is an experienced Program practitioner with a demonstrated history of working in the civic & and social organization industry. Strong community and social services professional skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Program Evaluation, Public Speaking, Performance Management, and Program Development. He is a seasoned conflict, counter-terrorism, grievance redress mechanism process and peacebuilding expert, a community mobilizer, and a Gender advocate who possesses over a decade of social development work experience in parliamentary strengthening, constitution building, youth development, and community organizing. Salaudeen is a Gender, Equality and social Inclusion focused. He served as the Secretary of the National Peace and Security Forum, convener of the National Civil Society Consultative Forum on Peace and Security as well as the North-Central Coordinator for the Partnership Against violent Extremism. He is an expert Defence and Security practitioner as well as a Policy and Legislative Advocacy trainer.

Chidiebere Ugwu

A seasoned development aid professional, he holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Security and Development from the Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna. With over 12 years of experience, Chidiebere has successfully overseen the Security and foreign policy portfolio, including the climate change desk. Regularly participating in the UNFCCC conference, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the field. As the coordinator of the Coalition for Socioecological Transformation (CoSET), Chidiebere actively contributes to socioecological transformation conversations within the environmental space. Additionally, being a fellow of the Young Professionals in Policy and Development, Chidiebere remains committed to advancing policy and development initiatives from a young person’s perspective. A passionate young activist, Chidiebere exemplifies dedication to humanitarian causes

Dr. Abdulrazzak Sa’ad Namdas

Dr. Abdulrazzak Sa’ad Namdas has a distinguished academic and professional background. He holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from Usman Dan Fodio University, a postgraduate diploma in Journalism from the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Jos Campus, an M.Sc. in Criminology and Security Studies from the University of Abuja, and a Ph.D. in Security and Strategic Studies from Nasarawa State University, Keffi. His diverse academic journey has equipped him with a deep understanding of social structures, security issues, and strategic studies.

In his career, Dr. Namdas has made significant contributions to both journalism and politics. He served as a State Correspondent for Daily Times Plc, where his insightful reporting led to his appointment as Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Adamawa State. He later founded ‘The Viewer Newspaper’ in 2007. In politics, he has been a two-term member of both the 8th and 9th National Assemblies at the Federal House of Representatives. He showcased his leadership prowess in those hallowed chambers by chairing several committees, including significant ones on Media, Public Affairs, and the Army and serving as the West Africa Caucus Deputy Chairman in the Pan African Parliament. His leadership and dedication to public service have been recognized through various awards and appointments, including his recent role on the NDDC Governing Board. Dr. Namdas’ extensive experience intersects with the development space, where he has consistently advocated for better governance and social cohesion.

Uloma Obike

Uloma Obike works as the Special Assistant to the Regional Director in the Ford Foundation Office for West Africa. She is an experienced human rights researcher and campaigner with more than eight (8) years of experience in the field of International Human Rights and development. Prior to this role, she worked with Amnesty International Nigeria as a Research and Campaigns Officer where she supported various interdisciplinary research, advocacy, and campaign work from 2015 to 2022.

During her 7 years at Amnesty International Nigeria, she interviewed thousands of victims of human rights violations and advocated for the rights of human rights defenders at risk. Her research interests include conflict and crisis, sexual and gender-based violence, violations in the criminal justice system, and women’s rights. She was part of the team responsible for developing the Digital Disruptors Project in Nigeria, called “YARN” (Youth Advocating for Rights in Nigeria) a youth-led campaign that empowered young rights holders to have more leadership in advocating for their fundamental rights and campaigning for Freedom of Expression. Uloma holds a postgraduate diploma in Political Science from the University of Abuja and a BA (Hons) in Urban and Regional Planning from Abia State University.

Dr. Laz Ude Eze

Dr. Laz Ude Eze is a public health physician, health management specialist and sustainable development consultant. He has a rich diverse experience in the development sector having championed the design and implementation of many public health initiatives, education, governance and youth development initiatives in the past two decades. His interests are in strengthening health systems, advancing equity in brain health, and promotion of good governance and participatory democracy. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Talk Health Real Media limited, popularly known as TalkHealth9ja – a fast growing health communications and public health information management organisation. He is also the Founder and National Team Lead of the MakeOurHospitalWork Campaign – a citizen-led community-based advocacy promoting people’s rights of access to quality preventive, curative and palliative health care in all health facilities and communities. He co-founded the Sub-Saharan Africa Brain Health Initiative (SSABHI), and leading efforts to advance brain health in Africa. In 2023, he was selected as one of the 28 people from 19 countries into the Atlantic Fellowship for Equity in Brain Health and appointed a Research Fellow at Trinity College Institute of Neurosciences, Dublin, Ireland

Anne-Marie Abaagu

Anne-Marie Abaagu is the Executive Director of the Women Environmental Programme (WEP) a regional Women-focused organization with headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. A development professional with 8 years experience managing various projects implementing governance, climate change, Peace building, Preventing Violent Extremism and Conflict Transformation interventions. A member of African Working Group Gender and Climate Change, Global Forest Coalition, Women’s Major Group, and Women and Gender Constituency (UNFCCC). A graduate degree and master’s in international relations and diplomacy and a trained professional certification in Project Management. She has engaged in advocating for policies and legislations that promote women participation at all levels of decision making, and remove all obstacles (social, political, cultural and economic) hindering women’s empowerment and participation in decision making and infringing on women’s rights, and created awareness raising, outreach and campaigning to change mind sets and help create an enabling environment for women and men’s equal rights and role in sustainable development, thus contributing to the gender-responsive implementation of the 2030 agenda