Reps Hearing: Ojukwu, Stakeholders Push for Stronger NHRC, Legal Shield for Human Rights Defenders

By: Michael Mike

A coalition of government officials, lawmakers and civil society leaders have rallied behind sweeping reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s human rights architecture, as the House of Representatives held a public hearing on two key bills aimed at reinforcing the mandate and independence of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

At the centre of deliberations were the National Human Rights Commission Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2025 and the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, 2024 — proposals advocates say could redefine institutional safeguards for rights protection in the country.

Leading the charge was the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, who argued that the existing legal framework no longer sufficiently addresses emerging human rights realities.

He maintained that the repeal and re-enactment of the Commission’s Act would entrench greater operational independence, improve oversight functions and guarantee sustainable funding.

According to Ojukwu, the proposed legislation clearly identifies funding streams for a National Human Rights Fund, designed to ensure financial autonomy and enable rapid response in emergencies. He noted that the bill would formally incorporate the National Preventive Mechanism within the Commission, strengthening independent monitoring of detention facilities and reinforcing safeguards against torture and inhumane treatment.

He also said the bill would provide statutory backing for the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, a move aimed at holding corporate actors accountable for rights violations and promoting responsible business conduct.

In a significant institutional reform, the bill proposes that the Executive Secretary of the Commission must emerge from within its directorate cadre, rather than being appointed externally. Ojukwu said the measure would preserve professionalism and continuity in the Commission’s leadership.

On the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, he stressed that individuals and groups advocating for justice often operate under threats, harassment and intimidation. The proposed law, he explained, would create legal protections and response mechanisms to shield them from reprisals.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Useni Jalo, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions through progressive lawmaking. He described the hearing as part of broader efforts to consolidate citizens’ trust in governance.

International partners also signalled support. The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, represented by Ms. Ajuwa Kufour, said passage of the bills would further align Nigeria’s human rights institution with the Paris Principles, the global benchmark for national human rights bodies.

Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Abiola Makinde, assured stakeholders that the legislative process would remain transparent and inclusive, pledging sustained engagement with civil society and government agencies.

However, dissenting views emerged from the Federal Ministry of Justice. Imarha Reuben, representing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, cautioned against what he described as legislative proliferation. He argued that Nigeria already possesses adequate legal frameworks and urged lawmakers to focus on harmonising and effectively implementing existing laws rather than enacting new ones.

Despite the differing perspectives, stakeholders broadly agreed that strengthening the NHRC’s legal and institutional framework remains critical to advancing accountability, safeguarding dignity and deepening Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The hearing closed with renewed calls for collaboration between the legislature, executive and civil society to ensure that reforms translate into meaningful protection for ordinary Nigerians.

Reps Hearing: Ojukwu, Stakeholders Push for Stronger NHRC, Legal Shield for Human Rights Defenders

Shehu Dikko Endorses President Tinubu for Second Term

By Comrade Philip Ikodor

Abuja, Nigeria – The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office come 2027. Dikko made this assertion at the Grand Endorsement event of President Tinubu’s re-election, organized by the National Progressive Hub (NPH), a prominent support group of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the Shehu Yaradua Center in Abuja.

Dikko, who hosted the event, highlighted the achievements of the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the National Sports Commission, which has driven reforms and innovations in sports administration in Nigeria. He also commended the President’s industrial revolution drive, which has led to economic stability and development.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a great leader committed to positioning Nigeria as a leading nation. His bold economic policies and interventions have yielded positive results,” Dikko said. He also praised the President’s recent executive bill, which mandates key institutions to remit generated revenue directly to government coffers, calling it a significant step towards economic development.

The event also featured the formal inauguration of the 36 state coordinators and the FCT of the National Progressive Hub (NPH) and the unveiling of the Roadmap Framework for strategic grassroots engagement towards the APC’s victory in 2027.

The NPH, a leading APC support group, has thrown its weight behind President Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing his remarkable achievements and commitment to Nigeria’s development. The group is set to mobilize support for the President across the country, leveraging its extensive network and grassroots presence to ensure a landslide victory for the APC in 2027.

The NPH’s endorsement is seen as a significant boost to the President’s re-election campaign, and a testament to his growing popularity and influence among Nigerians.

Shehu Dikko Endorses President Tinubu for Second Term

FG Moves To Democratise Credit Access, Inaugurates CREDICORP Board

We’re targeting 50% of working population by 2030, says VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has inaugurated the Board of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), saying access to consumer credit is critical to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established the CREDICORP to build a trusted credit infrastructure, provide catalytic capital to lower borrowing costs, and help Nigerians overcome long-standing cultural resistance to credit.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja when he inaugurated the Board on behalf of the President, the Vice President said that the quality of life of Nigerians cannot improve without closing the gap between access to capital and human dignity.

“A civil servant who earns honestly does not have to chase sudden wealth just to buy a vehicle, or save for ten years to buy one. A young professional should not remain in darkness simply because solar power must be paid for all at once,” the Vice President said.

VP Shettima disclosed that in just one year of operations, CREDICORP has disbursed over ₦37 billion in consumer credit to more than 200,000 Nigerians, with over half of them accessing formal credit for the first time.

The Vice President said the organisation is specifically tasked with building credit infrastructure to bridge the trust gap between lenders and borrowers, providing wholesale capital and credit guarantees through its portfolio company.

“Ultimately, these critical jobs of CREDICORP will enable access to consumer credit to at least 50 per cent of working Nigerians by 2030,” he said.

The Vice President explained that the new board’s role is not ceremonial as they are custodians of the organisation’s mission, adding that the long-term strength of the institution would depend on their “vigilance, integrity, sacrifice, and commitment.”

He directed Board members to uphold Public Service Rules, the Board Charter, and all applicable governance frameworks, warning that accountability and stewardship of public resources were non-negotiable.

Earlier, Chairman of CREDICORP, Otunba Aderemi Abdul, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his vision behind the formation of CREDICORP and for the confidence reposed in them, noting that the establishment of Corporation marked an important step towards strengthening the nation’s financial architecture.

He assured President Tinubu that the board understands its responsibility and will guide the institution to deliver meaningful benefits to Nigerians.

For his part, Engr. Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director/CEO of CREDICORP, recalled watching President Tinubu saying 20 years ago that consumer credit is one of the major tools that will improve the lives of Nigerians.

He noted that over the past 18 months, the institution has benefited more than 200,000 Nigerians, including students.

He assured that the presidential vision behind CREDICORP would not be taken lightly, as the team considers their appointments a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Other members of the board inaugurated include Olanike Kolawole, Executive Director, Operations; Aisha Abdullahi, Executive Director, Credit and Portfolio Management; Dr. Armstrong Ume-Takang (MD, MoFI), Representative of MoFI; Engr. Bisoye Coke-Odusote (DG, NIMC), Representative of NIMC; and Mohammed Naziru Abbas, Representative of FMITI.

Others are Marvin Nadah, Representative of FCCPC; Chinonyelum Ndidi, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance; Mohammed Abbas Jega, Independent Director; and Toyin Adeniji, Independent Director.

FG Moves To Democratise Credit Access, Inaugurates CREDICORP Board