A major human rights group in Nigeria has thrown its full support behind a proposal that would force government officials to use public schools and hospitals just like everyday citizens.

The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria Chapter, has endorsed a bill pushed by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency. The bill seeks to make it mandatory for politicians and government appointees to enroll their children in public schools and use government hospitals for healthcare.

In a statement signed by its Country Director, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the IHRC-RFT described the proposal as "timely, necessary, and rooted in justice."

“For too long, those responsible for managing public institutions have abandoned them,” the statement said. “How can a headmaster improve a school if his children attend a private one? Or a government doctor fix a failing hospital if he won’t get treated there? Or a commissioner improve healthcare if he travels abroad for treatment?”

The Commission believes that if lawmakers, ministers, and other top officials are required to use the same public services as ordinary Nigerians, they will be forced to fix what’s broken. It would also close the gap between the ruling class and the people, boosting accountability and fairness.

IHRC-RFT tied the bill to basic human rights as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — including the right to quality education, healthcare, and equal treatment.

The group has now called on all members of the National Assembly to rally behind the bill and pass it without delay. “If our leaders must represent us, they should live as we live,” the statement concluded.

Many Nigerians are already voicing support for the bill on social media, saying it's a long overdue move that could finally force real change in the country’s public systems.