By Folayimika Akanbi
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu, said sustainable human rights protection can only be achieved through coordinated and inclusive action.
He stated this in Ilorin on Wednesday at a Kwara Consultative Meeting aimed at strengthening the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria for 2024 to 2028.
Ojukwu described the consultation as a critical step toward improving collaboration, accountability and coordinated action among stakeholders in the protection of human rights.
Ojukwu, who spoke through the Kwara State Coordinator of the commission, Mrs Jumoke Olaoye, said the National Action Plan serves as a framework for promoting and protecting human rights in line with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted in Vienna in 1993.
He noted that the Action Plan reflects the commitment of government institutions and non-state actors to address gaps in human rights protection, tackle emerging challenges and build a more inclusive society.
The NHRC Executive Secretary recalled that Nigeria first adopted a National Action Plan on Human Rights covering 2009 to 2013, while the current 2024 to 2028 plan emerged after years of consultations involving Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders.
Ojukwu explained that the implementation phase requires continuous monitoring and evaluation to address operational challenges and improve implementation strategies.
He added that the consultative meeting was organized to enable stakeholders discuss implementation modalities, clarify responsibilities, harmonize efforts and address emerging gaps in the process.
The NHRC boss also stressed the need for stronger synergy between government agencies and civil society organizations, noting that sustainable human rights protection can only be achieved through coordinated and inclusive action.
He urged participants to contribute practical recommendations that would support the successful implementation of the National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria.
“Nigeria adopted its first National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (2009-2013), serving as a framework to implement Nigeria’s international human rights commitments and guide coordinated action across government institutions. Following the expiration of the NAP 2009-2013 plan, the National Human Rights
Commission championed and led a decade-long consultative process involving a wide range of stakeholders.
“This process cut across multiple stages, including consultations with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society participation, as well as deliberations by steering and coordinating committees. The extensive and inclusive nature of this process ultimately culminated in the adoption of the National Action Plan (2024-2028), reflecting a renewed and more comprehensive commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria,” he said.
The state Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Dare, who spoke on the sideline of the event, tasked media practitioners to remain objective and professional in their reportage, especially on issues relating to human rights and national development.
He stressed the important role of the media in shaping public opinion and promoting justice, urging journalists to always verify facts and report responsibly in order to strengthen democratic values and peaceful coexistence in society.
Representatives of the Judiciary, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigeria Correctional Service among others shared their perspectives on the modality to attain a hitch free implementation of the human rights’ national action plan.
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