By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission,NHRC, has called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders for an enhanced effort to address incidents of torture in the country.
The Execution Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the charge on Thursday during the commemoration of the “2025 International Day In Support Of Victims Of Torture” held at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Dr. Ojukwu, represented by Dr. Benedict Agu, noted that torture remains one of the most abhorrent violations of human rights as it not only degrades its victims but also the institutions and societies that permit it.
According to Dr. Ojukwu, preventing torture is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative that requires consistent political and proper training of security and law enforcement agencies, among other efforts.
He, however, commended the federal government for progressive steps it has taken with it’s international obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT).
He particularly pointed out the enactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition), VAPP, Act 20215, the Anti-Torture Act 2015, the establishment of the National Committee Against Torture as well as the National Prevention Mechanism,NPM.
Dr. Ojukwu said, these notwithstanding, much work still requires to be done and the NHRC remains committed to its mandate to promote, protect and enforce the human rights of everyone including all who have suffered grievous rights violations and abuse.
According to him: “the NHRC continues to monitor and document cases of torture, provide avenues for victims to seek justice and engage in advocacy and capacity-building initiatives to sensitize stakeholders and the public that there are no excuses for torture.”
The NHRC Boss said the commission is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Justice, the National Committee Against Torture and all other relevant actors to always ensure Nigeria lives up to its constitutional and international human rights commitments.
Earlier, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. B.E Jedy-Agba, said the ministry has over the years focused on prevention of torture through creating awareness and sensitization of law enforcement organisations.
Mrs. Jedy-Agba, who is also the Chairperson of the Committee Against Torture, revealed that the ministry, though the committee, has concluded work on the establishment of the Implementation Regulations for the Anti-Torture Act, 2017 to improve provision for specific matters that hitherto hindered the implementation of the Anti-Torture Act.
She said other preventive measures include conducting visits to places of detention and making recommendations to relevant authorities for improvement in the management of detainees, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
Jedy-Agba reiterated that the ministry is poised to go beyond prevention and to advocate institutional reforms to address and punish offenders as a means of deterrence to the commission of such crimes.
In a goodwill message, the National Preventive Mechanism, NPM, said the solemn occasion provides an important opportunity to reflect on the ongoing suffering of victims of torture and to reaffirm collective commitment to the prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment in all its forms.
The group acknowledge that torture is not only a violation of fundamental human rights, but a direct attack on human dignity, the rule of law, and public trust in justice institutions. .
They commend the Federal Government for taking concrete steps in the fight against torture, including the enactment of the Anti-Torture Act 2017, the reconstitution of the National Committee Against Torture (NCAT), and continued cooperation with international and regional human rights mechanisms.
The NPM urged all stakeholders—government institutions, security and law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, civil society, and the media—to strengthen their roles in ensuring full implementation of existing laws and policies, holding perpetrators accountable, and most importantly, providing adequate redress, rehabilitation, and support services to survivors of torture.
