By Gabriel Ameh
The National Human Rights Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the protection and promotion of human rights through the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 2024–2028.
The commitment was reiterated during a Federal Capital Territory consultative forum organised at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja in collaboration with CONRAD Educational Limited.
Speaking at the forum, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, represented by the Director of Legal Services and Enforcement, Hajiya Rabi Anwar, said the engagement was aimed at reviewing progress, identifying implementation gaps, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.
According to him, the National Action Plan was developed in line with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action to provide a measurable framework for Ministries, Departments and Agencies in fulfilling Nigeria’s human rights obligations.
He disclosed that the Commission had already commenced consultative engagements and monitoring activities across the 36 states, while experts had also been engaged to develop standardised assessment tools for effective monitoring and evaluation.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Abia Udeme Nsikak described the Action Plan as a critical step toward promoting justice, equality, human dignity, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
She stressed the need to protect the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups across the country.
Also speaking, a representative of the Nigeria Immigration Service, ACI David Amanam, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to integrating human rights principles into migration governance through capacity building, gender-sensitive procedures, and stronger inter-agency collaboration.
In a technical presentation, Director of the NHRC Abuja Metropolitan Office, Aisha Kaltungo, said discussions at the forum focused on key thematic areas including civil and political rights, economic and social rights, sustainable development, as well as business and human rights.
The Special Adviser to the Executive Secretary and Head of Monitoring, Dr. Benedict Agu, highlighted the role of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, non-governmental organisations, and civil society organisations in promoting and protecting human rights through advocacy, legal aid, policy implementation, and enforcement.
He assured stakeholders of the Commission’s continued partnership to ensure effective implementation, monitoring, and reporting in line with international human rights standards.
Speaking on the objectives of the framework, Ms. Naiyeju Bukunmi of the Monitoring Department said the Action Plan seeks to improve awareness of human rights obligations, deepen stakeholder engagement, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and support effective monitoring and evaluation processes nationwide.
