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Nigeria has made significant strides in human rights protection, according to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu. They made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja, during the observance of International Human Rights Day.
Ojukwu highlighted the NHRC’s work in investigating human rights violations, pointing out that the commission has been thorough in its investigations. He referenced the defunct SARS panel, emphasizing its role in the ongoing police reforms. “The panel’s report has led to major recommendations on police reform, including the creation of state and local government police forces and compensation for victims of police brutality, amounting to approximately N500 million,” Ojukwu stated. He praised the Federal Government for funding these compensations, which he believes has renewed citizens’ trust in the government’s ability to protect human rights.
Ojukwu also pointed out that the NHRC had earned a Grade “A” status from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions for the fifth time. He encouraged Nigeria to continue striving to become a model for human rights protection, not only in Africa but globally. Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” he called it a reminder to address existing gaps in human rights protection for a better future.
Fagbemi echoed Ojukwu’s sentiments, asserting that Nigeria has made substantial progress in advancing human rights. He assured Nigerians that the government is dedicated to respecting, protecting, and fulfilling the rights of all people living in the country. He highlighted the government’s efforts to align laws, policies, and practices with international human rights standards.
The AGF also referenced specific actions taken by the government to protect human rights, such as the decision to discontinue the prosecution of children and young people arrested during the EndBadGovernance protests in August and October 2024. Fagbemi assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to human rights and justice.
Ojukwu further called for the implementation of the recommendations of the NHRC’s Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in the Northeast, urging swift actions from both the Federal and state governments to address the violations and heal the affected communities.
The NHRC Chairman also clarified that the commission had dismissed a report by Reuters that accused the Nigerian Army of conducting illegal abortion programs and other atrocities during counter-insurgency operations, underscoring the importance of credible investigations in upholding human rights.
