UN, stakeholders back Nigeria’s push to strengthen human rights framework

2026-03-04 - 16:07

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja ABUJA — The United Nations has pledged support for Nigeria’s efforts to reinforce its human rights framework, as the House of Representatives considers two key reform bills aimed at protecting human rights defenders and strengthening the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Speaking at a one-day public hearing organized by the House Committee on Human Rights on Wednesday in Abuja, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Malick Fall, represented by Senior Human Rights Adviser Adwoa Kufuor, welcomed the legislative initiatives. The hearing focused on the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, 2024 (HB 1867) and the National Human Rights Commission Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB 2376). The first seeks to formally recognize and protect individuals and organizations promoting human rights, ensuring they can operate without fear of harassment. The second proposes to repeal and re-enact the existing NHRC law to strengthen its independence, investigative powers, and financial autonomy in line with international standards, particularly the Paris Principles. Fall said: “The UN strongly supports the introduction and consideration of the NHRC Bill and the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill. These legislative efforts represent critical progress in reinforcing Nigeria’s human rights framework.” He noted that the NHRC retained its ‘A’ status accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions in 2023, reflecting compliance with international standards, and that the proposed reforms would further enhance the commission’s mandate, independence, and operational capacity. Fall also highlighted that the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill would formally recognize human rights defenders, affirm their rights to operate without discrimination, and establish a dedicated mechanism within the NHRC to monitor risks, develop protective protocols, and coordinate responses to threats. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, described the bills as necessary and timely, stressing the forum was intended for engagement and input rather than confrontation. “It is fair to note that there are few issues more important at a time when Nigerians face severe threats to their lives and freedoms. As legislators, we must respond with deliberateness, transparency, and firm legislative action to protect our constituents and strengthen national institutions,” Abbas said. He emphasized that supporting human rights defenders strengthens government institutions, deepens democracy, and enables citizens to access justice, while reforms to the NHRC will enhance its operations, investigative powers, and financial integrity. Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Rep. Abiola Makinde, said the public hearing underscored the House’s commitment to participatory lawmaking and transparency. “The purpose is to subject these bills to thorough scrutiny and ensure the final legislation reflects national interest, democratic accountability, and international best practices,” he said. Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of the Policy and Legislative Advocacy Centre (PLAC), described the amendments as crucial for reinforcing the NHRC’s role and protecting human rights defenders in Nigeria. NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu noted the amendments would address gaps in the existing law and strengthen apolitical appointments and investigative powers. Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Justice, Chief State Counsel Imarha Oghenenyerowo Rueben affirmed the ministry’s support while highlighting areas needing refinement, including provisions on business compliance certificates, borrowing powers, and funding mechanisms. Rueben said, “The ministry supports the bills but has recommended adjustments to certain provisions to ensure alignment with existing regulatory and financial frameworks, and to safeguard operational efficiency and compliance.” The public hearing concluded with assurances from stakeholders and the UN of continued collaboration and support for the proposed reforms to enhance human rights protection in Nigeria.