Nigeria’s progress in upholding human rights was the central theme of discussions at the commemoration of International Human Rights Day in Abuja. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Tony Ojukwu both affirmed the nation’s advancements in this area compared to previous periods. Ojukwu emphasized the NHRC’s rigorous investigations into human rights violations, citing the reports of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) panel as a prime example. These reports, he noted, played a pivotal role in ongoing police reforms, encompassing recommendations for establishing state and local police forces and compensating victims of police brutality. The government’s allocation of approximately N500 million for victim compensation was lauded as a significant step in restoring public trust in the government’s commitment to protecting human rights. The NHRC’s consistent achievement of a “Grade A” status from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions further underscored its dedication to making Nigeria a model for human rights protection within Africa and beyond.
Ojukwu connected the day’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” to the need for Nigeria to address existing gaps in human rights protection to secure a better future. He emphasized that the occasion provided an opportunity not only to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also to evaluate the nation’s adherence to this crucial instrument. He urged the Federal Government and affected state governments to implement the recommendations from the NHRC’s Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in the Northeast, emphasizing the importance of these actions in healing the wounds of victims. This panel notably dismissed the Reuters report alleging a secret, systematic abortion program conducted by the Nigerian Army during operations in the Northeast, refuting claims of forced abortions, the killing of children, and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
The Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, echoed Ojukwu’s sentiments, highlighting Nigeria’s significant strides in promoting and protecting human rights. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the rights of all Nigerians and residents are respected, protected, and fulfilled. Concrete steps have been taken, he affirmed, to strengthen the human rights institutional framework. Fagbemi stressed the government’s dedication to aligning national laws, policies, and practices with international human rights standards, portraying the Tinubu administration as a human rights-friendly and responsive government. As evidence of this commitment, he cited the government’s decision to discontinue the prosecution of children and young people charged with treason in connection with the EndSARS protests of August and October 2020.
The joint pronouncements by the Attorney General and the NHRC Chairman served as a powerful affirmation of Nigeria’s progress in human rights. Their emphasis on ongoing reforms, particularly within the police force, and their commitment to implementing recommendations from investigative panels demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing past violations and preventing future abuses. The focus on victim compensation and the alignment of national legal frameworks with international standards underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening human rights protections. The dismissal of the Reuters report by the NHRC panel also highlighted the government’s efforts to counter misinformation and ensure accurate reporting on human rights issues.
The commemoration of International Human Rights Day provided a platform for Nigeria to showcase its progress and reaffirm its commitment to human rights. The statements by Fagbemi and Ojukwu signaled a concerted effort to address past shortcomings and build a more just and equitable future for all Nigerians. The focus on implementing recommendations from investigative panels, aligning national laws with international standards, and providing redress to victims of human rights abuses demonstrated a tangible commitment to translating words into action. The discontinuation of prosecutions against young protesters further emphasized the government’s willingness to address grievances and rectify past injustices.
Looking ahead, the challenge for Nigeria lies in sustaining the momentum generated by these pronouncements and translating commitments into concrete improvements in the lives of its citizens. Continued engagement with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and international partners will be crucial in ensuring accountability and driving further progress. By prioritizing human rights and upholding the principles of justice and equality, Nigeria can build a future where the rights of all individuals are respected, protected, and fulfilled. The commemoration of International Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards achieving this goal.
