AGF Harps On Practical Demonstration Of Human Rights Observance As NHRC, NPF Institute Joint Implementation Framework 

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has canvassed for practical demonstration of human rights observance and respects  by the Nigeria Police Force rather than mere lip service.

He gave the charge while leading  the inauguration of the National Human Rights Commission-Nigeria Police Force (NHRC–NPF) Joint Implementation and Liaison Framework in Abuja.

He argued that every Nigerian deserves to feel safe, protected and respected when they come in contact with law enforcement agents, adding that human rights become more than just words in the law, when it is part of everyday policing.

The Minister described the inauguration a major milestone in Nigeria’s criminal justice reform, saying that meaningful change requires strong partnerships between institutions.

He noted that although Nigeria has enacted landmark laws such as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Anti-Torture Act and the Nigeria Police Act, their true value lies in how faithfully they are implemented.

According to him, effective policing and respect for human rights are not opposing goals. Rather, they work hand in hand to strengthen the rule of law, build public trust and deliver ustice for everyone.

Earlier in an opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, explained that the framework opens a new chapter in the relationship between the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force.

He explained that it is the product of sustained engagement between both institutions and would provide a structured platform for collaboration instead of isolated interventions.

Under the framework, the NHRC and the Police will work more closely through joint detention visits, faster complaint resolution, regular human rights training, information sharing and coordinated action across the country.

The Representing the Inspector-General of Police, a Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department said the initiative reflects the Police leadership’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, integrity and respect for human rights.

He disclosed that liaison officers have already been appointed across Force Headquarters, zonal and state commands to ensure the framework is effectively implemented nationwide.

Stakeholders from the Police Service Commission, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee and civil society organisations present at the inuaguration welcomed the partnership.

They described it as a shift from confrontation to collaboration and urged both institutions to ensure the reforms are felt where they matter most at police stations, detention centres and in everyday interactions between officers and the public.

Also, the participants agreed that the framework will not be judged by the  launched document, but by the lives it changes.

If successfully implemented, they believe it could reduce human rights violations, improve police-public relations, strengthen accountability and give more Nigerians greater confidence in the justice system.