Support Measures To Address Torture, Federal Government Tasks Stakeholders

The Federal Government has restated commitment to prioritize initiatives aimed at preventing torture and other forms of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment in detention centres across the country.

The Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedda-Agba made the call in Abuja, at the sensitization advocacy session for law enforcement agencies, stakeholders on United Nations convention against torture.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Chief State Council Secretary, Dr Omozujie Okoboh said plans were underway to review the anti – torture Act and regulations to expand definition of torture and improve mechanism to discourage and eradicate torture in detention centres.

Jedda-Agba, added that the prohibition of torture has since been elevated to international law standard hence enjoined all stakeholders to join in the fight by speaking in one voice against perpetrators for those who suffer at their hands in various institutions.

“This sensitization event was initiated in fulfilment of the mandate of the committee and Federal ministry of Justice, as part of measures to eradicate the use of torture by public officials particularly law enforcement agencies.

“The session also focuses on interaction between stakeholders to address concerns and challenges associated with implementing anti – torture measures in compliance with international obligation.

“As you also aware Nigeria is a signatory to various international treaties and convention such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, International Convention against Torture, all of which guarantee human rights of both citizens and persons in detention”.

“Further to these treaties, the UN subcommittee on prevention of torture visited Nigeria in September, 2024 and assessed our places of detention.”

“While former report of the visit is still been awaited, the Ministry deemed it fit to organize this workshop to sensitize law enforcement and other stakeholders on obligations against Torture, particularly in places of detention.”

“The government also has the responsibility to ensure restitution and rehabilitation of victims of torture.”

“I therefore admonish participants to work as champions of the Federal Government’s policy against torture, shun the use of torture against citizens and institute anti torture measures when you return to your various institutions and organizations.”

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji