Honourable Speaker Abbas Tajudeen host the Nigerian Human Rights Commission Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu

 

The Honourable Speaker Abbas Tajudeen hosted the leadership of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC), led by the Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu, at his office today with discussion centered on Protecting human rights is crucial for strengthening the country democracy.

The speaker assured his guests that promoting and safeguarding human rights remain a top priority for the House of Representatives as he is willing to work and build a stronger and more inclusive society. By deepening the collaboration between the National Assembly and the NHRC, the speaker believes significant progress can be made towards these shared goals.

The Speaker said several measures have been taken to bolster the NHRC’s mandate and capabilities. This includes securing its funding, strengthening the appointment and removal processes for its governing council, granting the Commission more investigative powers, and establishing a dedicated Human Rights Fund. These efforts he believes has positioned the NHRC as a leading national institution for human rights promotion and protection.

Upholding the NHRC’s independence, as required by international standards, is crucial for fulfilling Nigeria’s human rights commitments. Effective human rights protection can help address grievances and mitigate risks posed by marginalized groups, such as the millions of out-of-school children vulnerable to exploitation.

Given the strong link between human rights abuses, insurgency, and insecurity, it is essential to enhance the NHRC’s capacity to promptly and adequately respond to the over 2 million complaints it receives annually. This will help disrupt the cycle of discontent that fuels instability in our country.

In alignment with President Tinubu’s vision, the National Assembly is committed to addressing the operational needs and infrastructure requirements of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Strengthening the Commission’s independence and creating an enabling environment for human rights protection is a legacy that we can all take pride in the speaker said

This will resonate within Nigeria and send a positive signal internationally, attracting foreign investment and enhancing our global standing.

The key areas for consideration include establishing independently owned state offices for the Commission, expanding the headquarters to accommodate additional office spaces and facilities, providing operational investigation vehicles for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and digitalizing the Commission’s operations to enhance efficiency.

Given the scale and complexity of these requirements, it is essential to adopt a phased approach to their implementation, ensuring that each need is addressed systematically and sustainably over time.

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