…Pushes for Human Rights Defendants Protection Bill, 2024
Chidimma Uchegbu -Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr.Tony Ojukwu, on Tuesday declared that the proposed review of the NHRC Act would better position the Commission to protect Nigerians’ rights.
According to the learned Silk there is a need to consider emerging human rights issues and to establish sustainable Human Rights Fund.
This was contained in the statement signed by the Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed.
Dr. Ojukwu spoke at a public hearing at the House of Representatives on the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, 2024 (HB.1867) and the National Human Rights Commission Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2376).
He said the repeal and re-enactment bill seeks to deepen the Commission’s independence and operational capacity.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria noted that the the new bill formally incorporates the National Preventive Mechanism, domiciled in the NHRC, strengthen oversight of detention facilities, and provide legal backing for the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
He added that the bill clearly itemizes the sources of funding for the National Human Rights Fund to guarantee financial autonomy and rapid response in times of crisis.
It also proposes that the Executive Secretary must be a qualified Director within the Commission, rather than an external appointee unfamiliar with human rights practice.
On the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, Ojukwu said the legislation would provide safeguards for individuals and groups who face threats, harassment or intimidation in the course of defending the rights of others.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by Hon. Useni Jalo, said the House remains committed to enacting strong laws that protect citizens and strengthen democratic institutions.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Malik Fall, represented by Ms Ajuwa Kufour, expressed support for the bills, noting that their passage would further align Nigeria with the Paris Principles governing national human rights institutions.
Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Dr. Abiola Peter Makinde, assured stakeholders that the House would continue to support human rights defenders and promote the rights of citizens through inclusive lawmaking.
Offering a differing view, Imarha Oghenenyerowo Reuben, Chief State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who represented the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said Nigeria does not necessarily need more laws.
Rather, he called for the harmonisation and strengthening of the existing NHRC Act.
According to him, Nigeria already has sufficient legal frameworks, stressing that the priority should be effective implementation and reinforcement of existing laws to better protect citizens.
Also speaking, Dr. Clement Nwankwo of the Legal Policy and Advocacy Centre commended the Committee for its sustained consultations.
He described the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill as vital, noting that anyone who confronts the challenges of undignified living conditions in pursuit of justice is, in essence, a human rights defender deserving of protection.
Stakeholders agreed that strengthening the NHRC’s legal and institutional framework remains critical to advancing dignity, accountability and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
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