A coalition of government officials, lawmakers and civil society leaders have rallied behind sweeping reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s human rights architecture, as the House of Representatives held a public hearing on two key bills aimed at reinforcing the mandate and independence of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
At the centre of deliberations were the National Human Rights Commission Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2025 and the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, 2024 — proposals advocates say could redefine institutional safeguards for rights protection in the country.
Leading the charge was the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, who argued that the existing legal framework no longer sufficiently addresses emerging human rights realities.
He maintained that the repeal and re-enactment of the Commission’s Act would entrench greater operational independence, improve oversight functions and guarantee sustainable funding.
According to Ojukwu, the proposed legislation clearly identifies funding streams for a National Human Rights Fund, designed to ensure financial autonomy and enable rapid response in emergencies. He noted that the bill would formally incorporate the National Preventive Mechanism within the Commission, strengthening independent monitoring of detention facilities and reinforcing safeguards against torture and inhumane treatment.
He also said the bill would provide statutory backing for the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, a move aimed at holding corporate actors accountable for rights violations and promoting responsible business conduct.
In a significant institutional reform, the bill proposes that the Executive Secretary of the Commission must emerge from within its directorate cadre, rather than being appointed externally. Ojukwu said the measure would preserve professionalism and continuity in the Commission’s leadership.
On the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, he stressed that individuals and groups advocating for justice often operate under threats, harassment and intimidation. The proposed law, he explained, would create legal protections and response mechanisms to shield them from reprisals.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Useni Jalo, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions through progressive lawmaking. He described the hearing as part of broader efforts to consolidate citizens’ trust in governance.
International partners also signalled support. The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, represented by Ms. Ajuwa Kufour, said passage of the bills would further align Nigeria’s human rights institution with the Paris Principles, the global benchmark for national human rights bodies.
Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Abiola Makinde, assured stakeholders that the legislative process would remain transparent and inclusive, pledging sustained engagement with civil society and government agencies.
However, dissenting views emerged from the Federal Ministry of Justice. Imarha Reuben, representing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, cautioned against what he described as legislative proliferation. He argued that Nigeria already possesses adequate legal frameworks and urged lawmakers to focus on harmonising and effectively implementing existing laws rather than enacting new ones.
Despite the differing perspectives, stakeholders broadly agreed that strengthening the NHRC’s legal and institutional framework remains critical to advancing accountability, safeguarding dignity and deepening Nigeria’s democratic culture.
The hearing closed with renewed calls for collaboration between the legislature, executive and civil society to ensure that reforms translate into meaningful protection for ordinary Nigerians.
