FG Unveils NHRC–Police Partnership to Strengthen Human Rights Protection and Police Accountability
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called for stronger human rights compliance within Nigeria’s law enforcement system, stressing that every Nigerian deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
Fagbemi made the call in Abuja during the inauguration of the National Human Rights Commission–Nigeria Police Force (NHRC–NPF) Joint Implementation and Liaison Framework, describing the initiative as a significant step towards deepening criminal justice reforms and strengthening institutional collaboration.
According to the Attorney-General, human rights must go beyond constitutional and legal provisions to become an integral part of everyday policing. He noted that meaningful reforms can only be achieved through effective partnerships among key institutions.
He recalled that Nigeria has enacted major laws, including the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Anti-Torture Act and the Nigeria Police Act, but emphasized that their impact depends on faithful implementation.
Fagbemi stated that effective policing and respect for human rights are complementary, not conflicting, adding that both are essential for strengthening the rule of law, building public confidence in law enforcement and ensuring justice for all Nigerians.
Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, described the framework as the beginning of a new phase in the relationship between the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force.
He explained that the framework emerged from sustained engagement between both institutions and would provide a structured mechanism for collaboration rather than isolated interventions.
Under the new arrangement, the NHRC and the Police will collaborate on joint detention facility visits, prompt resolution of human rights complaints, regular capacity-building programmes, information sharing and coordinated nationwide actions to promote accountability and protect citizens’ rights.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department said the initiative demonstrates the Police leadership’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, integrity and respect for human rights.
He disclosed that liaison officers have already been appointed at Force Headquarters, zonal commands and state commands to ensure effective implementation of the framework across the country.
Stakeholders, including representatives of the Police Service Commission, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee and civil society organisations, welcomed the initiative.
They described the partnership as a transition from confrontation to collaboration and urged both institutions to ensure that the reforms translate into tangible improvements at police stations, detention centres and in day-to-day interactions between police officers and members of the public.
Participants agreed that the success of the framework would ultimately be measured by its impact on the lives of Nigerians. They expressed optimism that effective implementation would reduce human rights violations, improve police-community relations, strengthen accountability and enhance public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
