By Christiana Ekpa
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has said the 10th House is committed to empowering the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) towards protecting the rights of Nigerians.
The Speaker pointed out that the legislature and national human rights institutions are cornerstones in defending democracy and human rights.
Speaking when the management of the NHRC, led by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, visited him at his office on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas said the House would do everything constitutional to protect the rights of Nigerians.
He said: “Given the critical role that human rights play in developing our democracy, the request for this courtesy call was enthusiastically approved. Promoting and protecting human rights remains a core priority of the National Assembly as we continue to build a stronger, more inclusive society.
“We can achieve much together, and a deepened collaboration between the National Assembly and the NHRC will undoubtedly advance our shared goals.”
Speaker Abbas recalled that in the past, particularly with the 2010 amendment to the NHRC Act, the Nigerian Parliament took significant steps to strengthen the Commission’s independence.
He said: “These measures included securing its funding through the Consolidated Revenue Fund, entrenching the appointment and removal processes of Governing Council members by requiring Senate confirmation, granting the Commission additional powers to investigate human rights violations, empowering it to register and enforce its decisions as those of a High Court, and establishing the Human Rights Fund to support the Commission’s activities and respond to emergencies.
“These efforts have positioned the NHRC as one of the national institutions with the broadest mandate for promoting and protecting human rights. The Commission’s independence, as outlined under international obligations, is integral to fulfilling Nigeria’s human rights commitments.
To that end, Speaker Abbas said the House was aware of the importance of strengthening the NHRC’s operations and providing the necessary infrastructure for its functions.”
The Speaker added that a well-resourced and efficient NHRC can play a significant role in addressing insecurity.
Speaker Abbas noted: “By reducing grievances through effective human rights protection, we can mitigate the risks posed by marginalised groups, such as the millions of out-of-school children who are vulnerable to exploitation by criminal elements.
“I understand that the NHRC receives over two million complaints of human rights violations annually. Given the undeniable link between insurgency, insecurity, and human rights abuses, enhancing the Commission’s capacity to respond promptly and adequately to these complaints is essential. Doing so will help disrupt the cycle of discontent that fuels insecurity in our country.”
