10th NASS Committed To Strengthening Human Rights Laws- Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajuddeen, says the 10th National Assembly is committed to passing laws to address human rights abuses and violence across the country.

Dr Tajuddeen made the remarks in Abuja at a public hearing on the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill and proposed amendments to the National Human Rights Commission Act.

Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Pensions, Hussaini Jalo, the speaker expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping, domestic violence and killings noting that lawmakers are open to reforms that would strengthen security agencies and promote peace and justice.

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, while giving the overview of the proposed bills and the need for amendments, said that businesses should be compelled to enshrine human rights in their activities.

Also speaking, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, argued that Nigeria already has sufficient laws to safeguard fundamental rights. warning that enacting another law would create institutional overlap, legislative confusion and duplication of functions among government agencies.

While acknowledging gaps in human rights protection, he urged lawmakers to strengthen existing institutions rather than establish new frameworks.

On the proposed National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025, the minister expressed support but raised concerns over specific provisions.

Represented by the Chief State Counsel, Reuben Imarha, Fagbemi objected to a clause requiring business owners to obtain an annual human rights compliance certificate, saying it could undermine the federal government’s ease-of-doing-business reforms.

Fagbemi also criticized a provision granting the commission borrowing powers without oversight, recommending that such authority be subject to approval by the ministry or the National Assembly.
Another clause proposing that multinational and financial, oil and gas companies contribute 0.3% of their annual profits to fund human rights litigation should be harmonized with the federal government’s tax reform program to avoid duplication, he said.

“The proposed amendment aims to strengthen the commission’s investigative powers, enhance its operational independence and provide sustainable funding for human rights activities in line with the Paris Principles.

“The Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill seeks to protect civil society actors, journalists, lawyers, whistleblowers and other citizens who advocate peacefully for constitutional and internationally recognized rights.

Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Abiola Makinde, said the legislation aims to promote transparency, accountability and the rule of law.

‎Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji