By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, on Tuesday declared that the proposed review of the Commission’s Act would significantly strengthen its capacity to safeguard the rights of Nigerians.
Speaking at a public hearing convened by the House of Representatives, Ojukwu said the repeal and re-enactment of the NHRC Act would deepen the Commission’s independence and enhance its operational effectiveness.
According to the statement signed by the Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the hearing focused on the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, 2024 (HB.1867) and the National Human Rights Commission Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2376).
Ojukwu stressed the need to address emerging human rights challenges and establish a sustainable Human Rights Fund. According to him, the proposed legislation would formally incorporate the National Preventive Mechanism within the NHRC, strengthen oversight of detention facilities, and provide legal backing for the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
He further explained that the bill clearly outlines funding sources for the proposed National Human Rights Fund to ensure financial autonomy and enable rapid response during crises. The draft law also proposes that the Executive Secretary of the Commission must be a qualified Director within the NHRC, rather than an external appointee unfamiliar with human rights practice.
On the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, Ojukwu noted that the legislation would provide legal safeguards for individuals and groups facing threats, harassment, or intimidation while defending the rights of others.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Useni Jalo, reaffirmed the House’s commitment to enacting robust laws that protect citizens and strengthen democratic institutions.
Also lending support, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Malik Fall, represented by Ajuwa Kufour, said passage of the bills would align Nigeria more closely with the Paris Principles governing national human rights institutions.
Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Abiola Peter Makinde, assured stakeholders of sustained legislative backing for human rights defenders and inclusive lawmaking processes.
However, a dissenting view emerged from the Federal Ministry of Justice. Imarha Oghenenyerowo Reuben, Chief State Counsel representing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, argued that Nigeria may not require additional legislation. Instead, he called for harmonisation and strengthening of the existing NHRC Act, emphasizing effective implementation of current legal frameworks.
In his remarks, Clement Nwankwo of the Legal Policy and Advocacy Centre described the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill as vital, noting that anyone confronting injustice and undignified living conditions in pursuit of justice qualifies as a human rights defender deserving protection.
Stakeholders at the hearing agreed that reinforcing the NHRC’s legal and institutional framework remains crucial to advancing dignity, accountability, and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
