The United Nations and the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, have called for the comprehensive implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Nigeria.
This call was made during a two-day National Dialogue on Business and Human Rights in Abuja, organized by the NHRC in collaboration with the UN Human Rights Office, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the Government of Norway.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, praised the Nigerian government for taking tangible steps to address business-related human rights abuses.
He highlighted that the adoption and implementation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) reflect a serious national commitment to human dignity, environmental protection, and inclusive economic growth.
According to Fall, fully implementing the plan would align Nigeria’s economic policies with its human rights obligations and strengthen ethical business conduct in Africa’s largest economy.
Fall also stressed that inclusive engagement with civil society, businesses, government institutions, academia, and affected communities is key to ensuring real progress.
He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in developing policy frameworks that promote responsible business practices.
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NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), explained that the NAPBHR was created to align economic and business activities with global human rights standards.
He said the plan offers a practical framework for collaboration between government, businesses, and civil society to tackle and remedy abuses linked to commercial operations.
A National Working Group, composed of multiple stakeholders, has been established to oversee its implementation.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), declared the workshop open and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to translating policy into practice. He emphasized that efforts are underway to raise awareness nationwide, build institutional capacity, and strengthen justice systems.
These measures aim to improve transparency, empower vulnerable communities, and address key issues including fair employment, environmental protection, gender equality, and land rights.
Fagbemi noted that the Nigerian government is adopting a holistic, inclusive approach to ensure the successful execution of the Action Plan, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that business operations across the country support and uphold human rights
NAN
