In a bid to fortify the promotion and safeguarding of human rights nationwide, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its dedication to establish NHRC Radio and Television stations across Nigeria.
The decision was announced in a joint communique signed by Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, and Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, the Chairperson of the NHRC Governing Council. This announcement came following the conclusion of the February statutory council meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
This strategic move aligns with Section 6(m)(n) of the NHRC Act 1995 as amended, underscoring the Council’s commitment to advancing human rights advocacy on a national scale. As part of this initiative, the Council conducted a scheduled courtesy visit to the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission.
In light of prevailing security challenges in Nigeria, including armed banditry, kidnapping, youth unrest, herders’ incursions, and agricultural land destruction, the Council expressed deep concern and proposed various measures to address these issues. Recommendations included enhancing youth engagement through quality education and vocational training, empowering youths, establishing state police forces, and intensifying efforts in human rights promotion and protection.
Moreover, the Council urged the Federal Government to ensure universal access to free and compulsory education as a means to combat poverty and empower the youth. It also recommended amendments to the 1999 Constitution to enforce citizens’ economic, social, and cultural rights, recognizing education as pivotal in achieving these rights and fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.
During the meeting, the Council highlighted the submission of the National Action Plan on the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as the National Action Plan on business and human rights, to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). These documents serve as benchmarks for Nigeria’s human rights standards and underscore the country’s commitment to fulfilling international and national human rights obligations. The Council emphasized the need for government allocation of necessary resources for their full implementation.
Additionally, reports from Council Committees on Appointment, Promotion, and Discipline, as well as Finance and General Purposes, were presented and deliberated upon. Notably, 297 candidates who met the requisite pass mark were recommended for promotion, reflecting the Council’s adherence to meritocracy and efficient NHRC operations.
Furthermore, the Council reviewed complaints of human rights violations received by the Commission’s Complaint Handling Departments. These complaints, spanning civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, women’s and children’s rights, and vulnerable groups, were promptly addressed in accordance with established procedures, reaffirming the NHRC’s steadfast commitment to human rights promotion and protection.
The NHRC Governing Council remains an independent, policy-driven, and globally recognized body dedicated to addressing critical human rights issues and reinforcing their promotion and protection in Nigeria.
Accredited with “A Status” by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, the NHRC of Nigeria pledges to uphold the Paris Principles for National Human Rights Institutions, having been reaccredited for the 5th time on November 3, 2023.
