By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for more synergy between public and private sector players in implementing Nigeria’s National Action Plan (NAP) for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (2024–2028).
The NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu, made the call on Tuesday in Ibadan.
He said this at the Oyo State Consultative Meeting on 2026 implementation plan of the NAP for the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Nigeria.
Ojukwu, represented by Oyo State Coordinator, NHRC, Mr Abayomi Ogundele, specifically identified government agencies, civil society organisations and other major stakeholders as groups that needed to work more closely together.
He said that such strengthened collaboration and accountability were essential in driving the action plan.
The NHRC Executive Secretary said the forum was convened to review progress, identify gaps, and harmonise efforts across sectors.
He described the NAP as a guiding document aligned with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights.
Ojukwu said the plan represents a collective commitment by government institutions and non-state actors to address gaps, respond to emerging challenges and build a more inclusive and rights-respecting society.
“Nigeria adopted its first NAP for the promotion and protection of human rights (2009–2013), serving as a framework to implement Nigeria's international human rights commitments and guide coordinated action across government institutions.
“After its expiration, the NHRC led a decade-long consultative process involving Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), civil society, and steering committees, which culminated in the adoption of the NAP 2024–2028,” he said.
With the 2024–2028 NAP now in its implementation cycle, Ojukwu said it became critical to monitor activities, identify operational challenges, and strengthen strategies.
“The National Human Rights Commission, as the coordinating and oversight body for the implementation of NAP, deems it necessary to convene a Pre-Zonal Consultative forum with relevant stakeholders,” he said.
Ojukwu said that sustainable human rights protection can only be achieved through coordinated and inclusive action.
“As we deliberate, I encourage us all to engage constructively and to share insights from our respective experiences.
“Let’s propose actionable recommendations that will move us closer to achieve the objectives of the NAP (2024–2028),” he said.
The Oyo State NHRC Head, Human Rights Education and Promotion, Mr Babatunde Onilari, said NHRC engaged all federal ministries, departments and agencies to review the first NAP, document lessons and update obligations.
According to him, the commission is making sure that there are human rights desk officers in local governments, including the police and Civil Defence offices.
Onilari said that the rights covered in NAP include Right to Life, Right to personal liberty, Right to fair hearing, Right to private and family life, among others.
NAN
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