The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the country’s National Action Plan (NAP) on human rights.
The commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu, made the call in a speech at the opening of a one-day stakeholders’ training organized in collaboration with Stonetrisha Nig. Ltd in Asaba, Delta State.
The training focused on the implementation of the 2024–2028 National Action Plan on Human Rights in Delta State.
It was designed to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights across the state, with participants drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the media.
Ojukwu, represented by the commission’s State Coordinator, Mr Chia Nor, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in implementing the action plan on human rights.
He commended the participants for their commitment to advancing human rights across the country.
He said the meeting reflected a collective resolve to promote accountability, justice, equality, and respect for human dignity across all sectors of society.
According to Ojukwu, the NAP serves as a guiding framework for the promotion and protection of human rights in line with international standards.
He noted that the document aligns with the Vienna Declaration adopted at the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, Austria.
He also quoted the Attorney-General of the Federation as reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting rights guaranteed under international conventions and Nigeria’s Constitution.
The NHRC boss recalled that Nigeria adopted its first National Action Plan on Human Rights between 2009 and 2013.
He explained that following the expiration of the first plan, the commission initiated extensive consultations involving government institutions and CSOs.
According to him, the decade-long consultative process culminated in the adoption of the NAP for 2024 to 2028.
Ojukwu said the current phase focused on implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and addressing operational challenges affecting human rights protection.
He underscored the need for stronger synergy among MDAs, CSOs, and the media to achieve sustainable results.
He urged participants to provide practical recommendations capable of advancing the objectives of the action plan.
Ojukwu expressed optimism that the deliberations at the event would strengthen implementation strategies and improve the protection of human rights across Nigeria.
The training also covered implementation structures and governance mechanisms for effective enforcement of the action plan.
Some participants described the programme as timely and beneficial for strengthening awareness and accountability in human rights administration.
Others, however, raised concerns over alleged interference by certain groups and individuals in the protection of fundamental rights.
The nationwide exercise is scheduled to run from May 4 to May 15 across the 36 states of the federation.
