FG reinforces commitment to human rights protection

In light of the escalating insecurity and conflicts across Nigeria, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday assured Nigerians of the federal government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

Speaking in Abuja at the 2026 high-level dialogue of the National Committee for the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law Treaties in Nigeria (NCIHLIN), Shettima emphasised the federal government’s determination to ensure that legal frameworks are put in place to address the nation’s current security challenges.

The vice president underscored that the federal government is taking a comprehensive approach in implementing national laws and international treaties, noting that recent developments demand urgent attention and reform.

He encouraged the dialogue to critically evaluate the ongoing conflicts fueled by insurgency and to propose actionable solutions that could bring peace and stability to Nigeria.

ALSO READ: Sokoto security adviser says outdated tactics expose troops to deadly ambushes

Shettima also commended the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for his leadership in pushing the country’s legal reforms.

He described Fagbemi as one of Nigeria’s finest legal minds, whose efforts have had a profound impact on advancing justice in the country.

Earlier, in his speech, Fagbemi highlighted the federal government’s ongoing efforts to refine Nigeria’s justice system, ensuring that it meets both domestic and international standards.

Fagbemi pointed to recent achievements, such as the domestication of key international humanitarian law (IHL) treaties and the enactment of significant legislative reforms like the Anti-Torture Act and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

He also announced that the government is making substantial investments to improve the country’s correctional facilities, ensuring they meet minimum human rights standards and focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

The chief law officer of the country added that Nigeria’s security forces are being equipped with the necessary training to adhere to the principles of IHL, particularly the Geneva Conventions, to ensure they operate in line with global human rights standards.

The AGF said, “Nigeria’s ongoing cooperation with the ICC aims to strengthen the country’s justice system while supporting global peace and security.”

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support for the implementation of IHL treaties and for prioritsing justice reforms in Nigeria.

In her remarks, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of the Federation and also the Chairperson of NCIHLIN, reiterated the importance of IHL, especially in light of the rising disregard for civilian protection in global conflicts.

She stressed that Nigeria must continue to drive compliance with IHL both on the negotiation tables and on the frontlines, ensuring that the principles of international law are respected in all security operations.

Jeddy-Agba also discussed the pivotal role of NCIHLIN in translating global standards into domestic practices while outlining the committee’s objectives to enhance the systematic application of IHL in Nigeria, particularly through the domestication of additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions and the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

She emphasised the importance of embedding IHL principles into the country’s security architecture to ensure that respect for humanitarian norms becomes a core part of military and governance culture.

The event saw key figures, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and the Governor of Borno State, represented by the state Attorney-General Hauwa Abubakar, delivering goodwill messages in support of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its human rights protections.

Kalu, in his goodwill message, assured that the House of Representatives will give the implementation of international treaties the attention it desires, adding that the bill seeking the domestication of international treaties and laws receives the speedy attention it deserves.

“We will continue to work closely with the executive arm of government and other stakeholders in ensuring that, the Geneva Convention is put into practice in the country,” the deputy speaker said and added that the federal government is determined in the promotion and protection of human rights of its citizens.

Also in attendance at the event were Justice Binta Muritala-Nyako of the Federal High Court, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman.