By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights has reiterated its readiness to prioritise the protection of human rights.
Declearing open a one-day public hearing on Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill yesterday, Chairman of the committee, Abiola Makinde explained that the proposed legislation seeks to play a vital role in promoting accountability, transparency, social justice and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The lawmaker said the House is committed to welcoming imputs and good suggestions from the public and key stakeholders for the purpose of promoting human rights and justice.
In his presentation, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, Prince Lateef Fagbemi disagreed with civil society organisations over the proposed bill.
The hearing was on Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill and the Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Human Rights Commission Act, as well as the National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Act, 2010, to enact the National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025.
The proposed amendment is to strengthen the day-to-day powers of the commission, conduct investigations and sustain contributions to the Human Rights Fund for human rights activities in the country, in line with the Paris Principles and for related matters.
Synoposis of the bill revealed that the expected legislation seeks to protect civil society actors, journalists, lawyers, community leaders, whistleblowers, faith-based actors and citizens.
Represented by the Chief of State Counsel, Reuben Imarha, Fagbemi argued that Nigeria has enough legislation on human rights protection.
He said enacting another law would lead to institutional overlap, legislation confusion and duplication of functions of government agencies.
The minister, who acknowledged gaps in human rights protection in the country, urged the National Assembly to empower existing institutions to enhance implementation capacity.
Noting that the ministry is strongly against the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, the AGF urged the House to jettison the proposed legislation.
He said Clause 5 (2b) sought to make it compulsory for business owners to obtain annual human rights compliance certificate.
Fagbemi stated that there is no doubt that there are breaches of human rights by business operators, but the clause hinders efforts towards the ease of doing business in Nigeria and should be reviewed.
He said Clause 15 sought to give the commission powers to borrow funds to pursue human rights cases, adding that it should only be done with the ministry or National Assembly`s approval to prevent abuse.
He added that Clause 16(2b) sought to introduce a quasi tax as it proposes that multinationals, public and private businesses operating in the financial oil sector to contribute 0.3 percent of their annul profit to the commission to pursue human rights cases.
The minister recommended that the provision should be harmonised into the recent tax reform programme of the federal government to prevent duplication.
Earlier, the Programme Director, Development Dynamics, Jude Ohanele said the enactment of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions
He said it would improve Nigeria’s international human rights reputation, promote transparency and good governance, as well as enhance investors confidence through rule-of-law assurances.
Ohanele added that it would also reduce conflict by providing lawful channels for grievance expression and protect human rights.
“We strongly support the bill in its entirety. The Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, 2024 (HB.1867) is a landmark legislative initiative that reflects Nigeria’s preference for democracy and commitment to constitutional governance.
“We respectfully urge members of the House of Representatives to give this Bill accelerated consideration and passage in national interest.
“By passing this Bill, Nigeria will send a powerful message that it stands firmly for justice, accountability, civic participation and the protection of those who courageously defend the rights and freedoms guaranteed under our constitution,” Ohanele said.
In his presentation, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Chief Tony Ojokwu (SAN) said the Human Rights Fund established in 2010 had not been funded till date, noting that the bill seeks to draw funds from the tax reforms to pursue human rights cases.
He said the bill sought to ensure speedy enforcement of decisions through the Federal High Court and to consolidate the independence of the commission among others.
In his remarks, Executive Director of Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, PLAC, Mr Clement Nwakwo commended NHRC for the work done so far.
