NHRC Begins Nationwide Review of Human Rights Action Plan Across MDAs
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced nationwide consultative engagements and monitoring activities to assess the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria (2024–2028).
The Commission disclosed this during the Federal Capital Territory consultative forum held at the NHRC headquarters in Abuja in collaboration with CONRAD Educational Limited.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, represented by the Director of Legal Services and Enforcement, Hajiya Rabi Anwar, said the engagement was aimed at reviewing progress made so far, identifying existing gaps, and ensuring that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) translate Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations into measurable actions.
According to him, the Commission has engaged experts to develop standardized assessment tools to ensure credible monitoring and evaluation of the implementation process nationwide.
The Special Adviser to the Executive Secretary and Head of Monitoring, Dr. Benedict Agu, emphasized the important role of MDAs, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations in promoting and protecting human rights through investigation, legal aid, policy development, enforcement, and advocacy.
He assured stakeholders of the Commission’s continued collaboration to guarantee effective implementation, monitoring, and reporting in line with international human rights standards.
Also speaking, Ms. Naiyeju Bukunmi of the Monitoring Department explained that the Action Plan was designed to improve awareness of human rights obligations, strengthen stakeholder engagement, enhance accountability mechanisms, and support effective monitoring and evaluation processes.
In a technical presentation, Director of the NHRC Abuja Metropolitan Office, Aisha Kaltungo, said participants examined key thematic areas including civil and political rights, economic and social rights, sustainable development, as well as business and human rights.
Other speakers at the forum, including Dr. Abia Udeme Nsikak, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and ACI David Amanam of the Nigeria Immigration Service, stressed the importance of protecting the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
They also reaffirmed their institutions’ commitment to integrating human rights standards into governance and migration management processes.
