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By Umar Abubakar
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has held a Pre-Zonal Consultative Meeting in Ilorin aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s National Action Plan for Human Rights for 2024–2028.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, represented by the Kwara State Coordinator of the Commission, Mrs. Jumoke Olaoye, described the meeting as crucial to enhancing collaboration, accountability, and coordinated action among stakeholders.
Dr. Ojukwu explained that the National Action Plan serves as a framework for the promotion and protection of human rights in line with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted in Vienna in 1993.
He said the Action Plan reflects the commitment of government institutions and non-state actors to addressing gaps in human rights protection, tackling emerging challenges, and building 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 2024–2028 plan emerged after extensive consultations involving Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organisations, and other stakeholders.
According to him, the implementation phase requires continuous monitoring and evaluation to address operational challenges and strengthen implementation strategies.
Dr. Ojukwu added that the consultative meeting was organised to enable stakeholders discuss implementation modalities, clarify responsibilities, harmonise efforts, and address emerging gaps in the process.
He stressed the need for stronger synergy between government agencies and civil society organisations, noting that sustainable human rights protection can only be achieved through coordinated and inclusive action.
The NHRC boss urged participants to provide practical recommendations that would support the successful implementation of the National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Kwara State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Dare AbdulGaniyu, called on media practitioners to remain objective and professional in their reportage, especially on issues relating to human rights and national development.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State AIDS Control Agency, Dr. Alabi Seleem, described the gathering as timely, noting that public awareness on human rights remains essential to societal growth.
Participants at the meeting, including representatives of the judiciary, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Correctional Service, agreed that active stakeholders’ involvement is necessary for the effective implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan.
