Human Rights protection: Commission seeks Government’s Support for efficiency 

The National Human Rights Commission NHRC has called on the Nigerian government to support it in order to strengthen the Commission’s efforts in the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu made the call in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the country’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN.

During the visit, Dr. Ojukwu provided a comprehensive overview of the NHRC’s history, mandate, functions, powers, organizational structure, and management since its inception.

While informing the Minister of the Commission’s growth, the challenges it has faced, and its struggle for independence in recent years, Ojukwu emphasized the Commission’s role in holding the government accountable for policies and laws that promote human rights and mitigating human rights violations in the country.

He highlighted several key issues in the Commission stressing the need for appointment and removal of governing council members to be of paramount importance, with consideration given to the tenures of office of members of the Council.

Dr. Ojukwu lamented that the Commission faces significant financial constraints which can hinder its operational independence if not adequately addressed.

“Lack of transportation for state offices to carry out investigations and inadequate equipment/infrastructure to work with, are few examples.” 

Staffing Challenges: 

The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria expressed concerns about its 13 departments, 36 state offices, and a staff strength of 900 individuals.

He recalled that a high weekly resignation of staff has posed a major challenge to the Commission, leading to a need to recruit more staff to strengthen the state offices.

Budgetary Allocations: 

According to the Executive Secretary, the Commission’s limited budgetary allocations significantly impact its ability to handle a minimum of 2 million complaints per annum.

He said the absence of a funded Human Rights fund by the federal, state, or local governments has been a long-standing concern since 2010.

Achievements:

Despite these challenges, Dr. Ojukwu also highlighted some significant achievements, including the thorough investigation and resolution of 1,640,018 complaints.

Notable compensations include 350 million naira to the families of eight victims of the APO killings (Okada riders) by the Department of State Services in 2013 and 450 million naira in compensation paid to victims of the END SARS protests by the Commission.

Responding to these concerns, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi SAN, assured that the present administration has prioritized the National Human Rights Commission as an institution that could ensure peace, stability and respect for and human rights in the country.

The Minister acknowledged the financial hardships confronting the Commission urging for patience while the government addresses their needs, particularly with respect to acquiring vehicles.

The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the Commission’s independence and its commendable commitment to non-interference from the government and other bodies.

Dominica Nwabufo