BREAKING: Nigeria’s Federal Government has approved  2022-2026 Action Plan for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria

After the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari and held at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, made this information public to reporters. He said that participants in government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) developed the strategy.

He said that this came after the President Buhari administration paid N135 million in compensation to victims and family members of the September 18, 2013, Apo six killings and complied with the National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) verdict. Additionally, he stated that according to the report of the committee for the protection of journalists, Nigeria was the only African nation in 2017 “that has been in full compliance in terms of the protection of the rights of the Journalists, taking into consideration that not a single incidence of a Journalist death has been recorded in Nigeria arising from infractions, relating thereto.” Malami emphasized that the strategy is aimed to enhance and scale up Nigeria’s respect for human rights in light of its achievements. and accomplishments of Nigeria under the current administration with regard to human rights you may know, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has made history by becoming the first and only administration in Nigerian history to have actually tolerated, accommodated, and enforced the Human Rights Commission’s ruling.

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Regarding the Apo Six, the Human Rights Commission determined that the government was liable for paying approximately N135 million to the family of the victims of the alleged infractions after finding that the government had violated the human rights of a group of people known as the Apo Six. These unfortunate incidents occurred prior to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The National Human Rights Commission’s recommendations were followed by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in part because they took action to assure the payment of N135 million to the Apo Six in accordance with those recommendations. “You are also aware that the committee for the protection of journalists, an international committee, determined Nigeria to be the only African nation in full compliance with the protection of journalists’ rights last year, given that not a single instance of a journalist’s death has been reported in Nigeria as a result of violations related to those rights.

With those local and global successes in mind, the need has now arisen for Nigeria to indeed consolidate on the gains and upscale its provision from a local observance of the protection of the human right to an international standard by way of ensuring compliance with best practices.” According to him, the new action plan will demonstrate that Nigeria is adhering to global best practices for the defense of human rights.

The Nigerian government has recently approved a 2022-2026 action plan for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria. This is a significant development for the country, as it underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens and improving the overall quality of life in Nigeria.

The action plan focuses on several key areas, including the protection of human rights, the promotion of good governance, the provision of essential services, and the strengthening of the justice system. The plan also places a strong emphasis on the protection and promotion of the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and persons with disabilities.

One of the most important aspects of the action plan is its emphasis on the protection of human rights. This is particularly important in a country like Nigeria, where there have been a number of high-profile cases of human rights abuses in recent years. The government’s commitment to protecting human rights is a positive step forward and should be welcomed by all Nigerians.

Another important area of focus for the action plan is the promotion of good governance. This includes measures to improve transparency and accountability in government, as well as efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. These initiatives are critical for ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy remains robust and resilient in the face of future challenges.

The provision of essential services is also a key component of the action plan. This includes initiatives to improve access to healthcare, education, and other basic services that are essential for the well-being of all Nigerians. By focusing on these critical areas, the government can improve the overall quality of life in Nigeria and promote greater social and economic development.

The action plan also places a strong emphasis on strengthening the justice system. This is a crucial area of focus, as a strong and effective justice system is essential for protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that justice is served in cases of human rights abuses. By investing in the justice system, the government can help to promote greater accountability and deter future human rights abuses.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the action plan is its focus on the protection and promotion of the rights of vulnerable groups. Women, children, and persons with disabilities have historically been among the most marginalized and disadvantaged groups in Nigerian society. By prioritizing their rights and well-being, the government can help to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all Nigerians.

Of course, the success of the action plan will depend largely on the government’s ability to implement its various initiatives effectively. This will require a strong commitment to transparency and accountability, as well as sufficient funding and resources to carry out the necessary reforms.

It will also require the cooperation and support of civil society organizations and other stakeholders. These groups play a vital role in promoting human rights and holding government officials accountable for their actions. By working together, the government and civil society can create a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians.

It is important to note that the approval of the action plan is just the first step in a long process of reform and transformation. The government must now work diligently to implement its various initiatives and ensure that they are effective in promoting human rights and improving the overall quality of life in Nigeria.

There will undoubtedly be challenges along the way, as entrenched interests and powerful actors seek to maintain the status quo. However, by remaining committed to its goals and working collaboratively with civil society and other stakeholders, the government can overcome these obstacles and create a brighter future for all Nigerians.

In conclusion, the approval of the 2022-2026 action plan for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria is a significant milestone for the country. It underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens and improving the overall quality of life in Nigeria.

By focusing on key areas such as the protection of human rights, the promotion of good governance, and the provision of essential services for Nigerians.