FG working on legal frameworks to address security challenges – Shettima

2026-03-26 - 17:13

...says Nigeria committed to protection of human rights By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA – The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said on Thursday that the Federal Government is determined to put legal frameworks in place to address the nation’s current security challenges. Speaking at the 2026 high-level dialogue of the National Committee for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law Treaties in Nigeria (NCIHLIN), Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of all Nigerians. He stressed that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is taking a comprehensive approach to implementing national laws and international treaties. Shettima commended the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for his leadership in driving the country’s legal reforms. Shettima described Fagbemi as a brilliant, intelligent, and upright man whose efforts have profoundly impacted the advancement of justice in Nigeria. He urged participants at the dialogue to critically evaluate ongoing conflicts fuelled by insurgency and propose actionable solutions to bring peace and stability to Nigeria. Earlier, in his speech, Fagbemi highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to refine Nigeria’s justice system to meet both domestic and international standards. He pointed to recent achievements, such as the domestication of key international humanitarian law (IHL) treaties and the enactment of significant legislative reforms like the Anti-Torture Act and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The AGF also announced that the Federal Government is making substantial investments to improve the nation’s correctional facilities, ensuring they meet minimum human rights standards with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. He added that Nigeria’s security forces are receiving the necessary training to adhere to IHL principles, particularly the Geneva Conventions, so they operate in line with global human rights standards. The AGF further highlighted ongoing cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), which aims to strengthen the justice system while supporting global peace and security. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his steadfast support in implementing IHL treaties and prioritizing justice reforms in Nigeria. In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, who also serves as Chairperson of NCIHLIN, reiterated the importance of IHL amid rising disregard for civilian protection in global conflicts. She maintained that Nigeria must continue driving compliance with IHL both at negotiation tables and on frontlines, ensuring that international law principles are respected in all security operations. Jeddy-Agba discussed NCIHLIN’s pivotal role in translating global standards into domestic practices. She outlined the committee’s objectives to enhance the systematic application of IHL in Nigeria, particularly through domestication of additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. She emphasized embedding IHL principles into the country’s security architecture to make respect for humanitarian norms a core part of military and governance culture. Among those at the event were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and the Governor of Borno State, represented by State Attorney-General Hauwa Abubakar, who delivered goodwill messages supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen human rights protections. Also in attendance were Justice Binta Muritala-Nyako of the Federal High Court, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman. In his goodwill message, Kalu assured that the House of Representatives will give implementation of international treaties the attention it deserves, adding that the bill seeking domestication of those treaties and laws will receive speedy consideration. “We will continue to work closely with the executive arm of government and other stakeholders to ensure the Geneva Conventions are put into practice in the country,” the Deputy Speaker added. He said the Federal Government is determined to promote and protect the human rights of its citizens.