NHRC Commits To National Action Plan, Inaugurates National Working Group On Human Rights, Business

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has indicated its commitment to charting a course towards implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights, promoting responsible business conduct and addressing human rights impacts.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr.Tony Ojukwu, gave this indication in Abuja on Wednesday while marking remarks at High-level Forum on Business and Human Rights.

He noted that the session will provide a platform for robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of ideas on how best to implement the NAP on Business and Human Rights.

According to him, “the idea is to make our Country investor friendly while respecting human rights and in doing this, we have the privilege of engaging with experts, practitioners, and thought leaders from various sectors who will contribute their invaluable insights and experiences.”

The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria stated that NAP outlines key priority areas, such as human rights due diligence, the duty to protect by the government, the responsibility to request by businesses access to remedy, sustainable development goals, and the rights of vulnerable groups.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Governing Council of the NHRC, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman stated that business activities have profound impact on societies, economies, and the lives of individuals, “therefore it is imperative that we ensure these activities align with human rights principles, respect the dignity and well-being of all individuals, and contribute to sustainable development”.

The Forum, she noted, serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among key stakeholders, including government representatives, business leaders, civil society organisations, and human rights advocates.

Also, in his keynote address, the Chair of UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN said that Nigeria should immediately kickstart the process of implementing the NAP on Business and Human Rights and ensure that existing legislations align with the NAP.

The legal luminary also advised that Nigeria should review and update the NAP from time to time so as to ensure that the content is in tune with the current realities with respect to business operations and the need for safe and sustainable environment.

Highpoint of the Forum was the Chairperson’s inauguration of the National Working Group ((NWG), who will spearhead the implementation of the NAP on Business and Human Rights as well as learn from best practices, share experiences, and explore strategies to address the challenges that lie ahead.

Participants at the occasion who gave their goodwill messages include the representative of Minister of Trade and Investment, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Mattias Schmale, and Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme, etc.

Other dignitaries at the event are President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN (represented by Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN), and Member of the Governing Council of the NHRC, Mr. Sunday Etim Daniel, who gave the vote of thanks.