The Federal Government has called on citizens and stakeholders to collaborate with and support the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), emphasizing its pivotal role in safeguarding human rights in Nigeria.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the NHRC Office in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), underscored the Commission’s relentless efforts in promoting and protecting human rights at both national and global levels.
Highlighting the significance of the NHRC’s independence, the Minister noted that the Commission was established in line with United Nations Resolution 48/134 of December 20, 1993, as well as the Paris Principles governing National Human Rights Institutions. He reiterated that under the National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Act, 2010, the Commission operates independently and is not subject to external control.
“The NHRC’s independence is further guaranteed under Section 6(3) of the NHRC Act, which explicitly states that in carrying out its mandate, the Commission shall not be subject to the control of any authority or person,” Fagbemi stated.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to human rights, he emphasized that the NHRC’s mandate aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He recalled that when all parastatal boards were dissolved at the start of the administration, President Tinubu promptly reinstated the NHRC Board, demonstrating his firm commitment to human rights.
In a further show of support, the Governor of Kebbi State has pledged to provide at least one operational vehicle to the NHRC Office in the state, facilitating its operations through the State Justice Sector Reforms Team.
Call for Enhanced Support
In her welcome address, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman, Chairperson of the NHRC Governing Council, acknowledged the Budget Office of the Federation and the National Assembly for their support since 2009. She revealed that the Commission has constructed nine new offices across the country, including the newly commissioned Kebbi State Office.
Dr. Suleiman appealed for additional government support, particularly in securing adequate funding, constructing the remaining 22 state offices, and resourcing the Human Rights Fund as stipulated in the NHRC Act. She also called for legislative amendments to address concerns raised by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation during its 2023 review of the NHRC’s status.
She commended the Kebbi State Government for providing land for the new office and fostering an enabling environment for the NHRC’s operations.
Addressing Challenges in Human Rights Protection
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to upholding constitutional provisions that safeguard human rights in Nigeria. He, however, highlighted significant challenges, including:
- Limited awareness of legal rights and procedures
- Apathy towards human rights issues
- Barriers to accessing justice
He further identified the non-justiciability of Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution as a major hurdle, noting that many human rights violations stem from issues covered in that section.
“Human rights are not mere privileges; they are the foundation of our collective well-being,” Ojukwu stated. “As state actors working with the NHRC, we have a duty to protect and promote these rights.”
He expressed gratitude to his predecessors, including Dr. Bukhari Bello and former Ministers of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Abubakar Malami (SAN), for their contributions to the NHRC’s expansion and operations.
Kebbi State Government’s Commitment
In his remarks, Dr. Nasir Idris, Governor of Kebbi State, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice sector reforms aimed at strengthening human rights protection. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala, the Governor pledged to provide a project vehicle for the NHRC Office and ensure its connection to the national power grid.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including:
- Justice Umar Abubakar, Chief Judge of Kebbi State
- Justice Mohammed Sifawa, Chief Judge of Sokoto State
- The Emir of Gwandu
- Members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly
- The Attorney General of Kebbi State and Commissioner for Justice
This commissioning marks a significant milestone in the NHRC’s efforts to expand its presence across Nigeria and further its mission to protect and promote human rights.
