The Nigerian government has reassured citizens of it’s determination to provide the enabling environment for the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC to effectively promote and protect their rights.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi gave the assurance at the commissioning of NHRC Lagos State Office in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos state, South West Nigeria.
Mr Fagbemi said “the commissioning of the Lagos state office of NHRC further entrenches the operational independence of the Commission is a bold statement by the Nigerian government towards the support to the Commission to protect the rights of Nigerian.
He said; ”I understand that about eight other state offices of the Commission will be due for commissioning by the end of the year.”
“This is a monumental achievement by the Commission and the Nigerian Government will support the Commission in it’s efforts to own it’s offices nationwide to further entrance it’s independence and strengthen its strive to protect the rights of Nigerians,”
Mr Fagbemi commended the leadership of NHRC for their determination to birth the project into a reality.
The Chairperson, Governing Council, NHRC, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman said; “the building of the Lagos office of NHRC became necessary to enhance inclusivity and diversity in the working environment of the Commission.”
According to Dr. Suleiman, “It is located in Alausa within the administrative hub of the city and has proximity to the other government parastatals and agencies located at the State Secretariat Ikeja, it is also accessible to everybody especially the poor because all local buses in Lagos can access Alausa Ikeja.”
“As a Human Rights Institution established to receive and listen to complaints on human rights violation, it is key that our location is accessible to all especially the poor,” he said.
In his address of welcome, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu expressed optimism in the Commission’s ability to record giant strides with the unwavering support of the government.
He said “the NHRC is committed to continuing on the trajectory of owning all it’s offices the way it started at inception from 1996 to 2022.”
The establishment of the the National Human Rights Commission is an international obligation pursuant to UN resolution 48/134 of 20th December 1993 and the Paris Principles for establishment of National Human Rights Institutions.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
