NHRC Steps Up to Strengthen Implementation of National Human Rights Action Plan Nationwide

By Toffa Momoh

ABUJA – The National Human Rights Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of Nigeria’s National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 2024–2028, as part of efforts to improve human rights protection and accountability across the country.

Speaking at the Federal Capital Territory consultative forum held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, NHRC Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu said the engagement was designed to review progress, identify achievements and challenges, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders. He was represented by Mrs. Rabi Anwar, Director of Legal Services and Enforcement.

Ojukwu said the consultation provided a platform for dialogue, experience sharing, and reflection on practical strategies to improve human rights outcomes nationwide. He noted that the Commission had already begun consultative engagements and monitoring activities in all 36 states to assess the level of implementation of the plan.

To ensure credible monitoring, the NHRC has engaged experts in human rights policy, governance, and evaluation to develop standardized assessment tools for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies and other institutions tasked with implementing the plan.

The National Action Plan was developed in line with the 1993 Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights. It outlines measurable actions to translate Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations into practice. The framework covers civil and political rights, economic and social rights, women and children’s rights, business and human rights, and sustainable development.

Dr. Abia Udeme Nsikak, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, described the plan as a milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to justice, equality, human dignity, and the rule of law. She stressed that effective implementation would require sustained commitment, coordinated action, and active participation at both national and state levels, with particular attention to women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

Representatives from the Nigerian Immigration Service and civil society organizations also pledged support. ACI David Amanam said the Immigration Service was working to integrate human rights standards into migration governance and border management through capacity building, gender-sensitive procedures, and inter-agency collaboration. The Centre for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development described the consultation as a vital step toward justice, peace, and inclusive development.

In a technical presentation, NHRC Abuja Metropolitan Office Director Aisha Kaltungo explained that the plan’s core functions include auditing Nigeria’s human rights situation, strengthening standards, establishing monitoring frameworks, and promoting collaboration between government, civil society, the private sector, and international partners.

Dr. Benedith Agu, Special Adviser to the Executive Secretary and Head of the Monitoring Department, said MDAs, NGOs, and CSOs play critical roles through investigations, legal aid, policy development, enforcement, and advocacy. He assured stakeholders that the Commission would continue working with partners to ensure full implementation of the plan nationwide.