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FG REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN NIGERIA
FG REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN NIGERIA
— As Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN Commissions NHRC’s Lagos State Office at Ikeja
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in Nigeria by providing the enabling environment for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to effectively realize its mandate.
The Government also promised to support the NHRC to own its offices nationwide to further entrench its independence and strengthen its strive to protect the rights of citizens.
The Honorable Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN who made this statement on the occasion of the commissioning of the Lagos State office of the NHRC noted that the operational independence of the Commission has been future strengthened with the construction of it own offices.
“Under the Paris Principles, such national human rights institutions are to be independent in the execution of their mandate, structure and operations” .
Section 6(3) of the NHRC Act 1995 as amended, stipulates that the Commission in carrying out it’s mandate and operations shall not be subject to the control of any authority or person, he added.
“Accordingly, the ownership of their place of operations (office) constitutes an important aspect of their independence. I am happy to say that since this administration, the government has not interfered with the independence of the Commission”, the AGF said.
The Chief Law Officer of the Federation noted that in fact, during the last dissolution of Boards of all parastatals, the government exempted the Governing Council of the Commission from the general dissolution of Federal Government Boards due to its independence under the enabling Act and the Paris Principles.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Governing Council of the NHRC, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman, FICMC, thanked the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and other highly distinguished guests for gracing the occasion of the completion and commissioning of the Lagos State office of the National Human Rights Commission in Alausa, Ikeja Lagos.
According to the senior lawyer, the history of the realization of this project needs to be told as a testimony of the determination of the Commission to strengthen its operations and independence.
She recalled that the Commission was established through the National Human Rights Commission Act 1995 as amended and that in its determination to entrench its independence from the beginning, the Commission commenced its daily operations from its own independently owned buildings in the six geo-political zonal headquarters of Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kano, Jos and Maiduguri between 1996 and 2002.
“Over time however, the acquired Lagos office building was no longer befitting and structurally fit to meet the challenges and demands of a modern office suitable for the operations of a national human rights institution like the Commission.
The need for inclusivity and diversity in the working environment of the Commission necessitated a new office structure after 23 years of the acquisition of the Lagos office building and the other zonal headquarters”, the Chairperson narrated.
She observed that things like ramps, lifts, mediation rooms and conference rooms have become key components of any structure for conducting business by a national human rights institution like ours.
The project, she stated, was fully funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria with no donor support.
“The Commission is indeed grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Budget office of the Federation, the National Assembly for appropriating funds for the execution of this laudable project. It is our fervent hope that the dream of realizing the construction of the remaining State offices of the Commission will soon be a reality”, she added.
In his speech at the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN said the Commission had identified the ownership of its offices as one of the indices of its independence under the Paris principles from inception, but due to inadequate financial resources in the Commission, it could not continue on the trajectory of owning all its offices, the way it had started at inception from 1996 to 2002.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria recollected that the Lagos office being commissioned today was the first to be awarded in 2019 while the others were awarded in 2020.
“It is hoped that by the end of this year, the Commission will be completing at least 8 of the 9 projects while the 9th project will hopefully be completed before the end of 2025. The delivery period has been 4 to 5 years. This is due to the lean financial resources available to the Commission”, the Executive Secretary stated.
He used the opportunity to appeal to the National Assembly and the Budget office to appropriate more funds to help the Commission further realize its mandate to provide adequate protection to Nigerians when their rights are violated.
Finally, he thanked the Chief Judge of Lagos state, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Hon Attorney General of Lagos state, the Commissioner of Police for Lagos state, civil society organizations, human rights defenders like Chief Femi Falana SAN, and the Media who work with us daily to resolve complaints on human rights violations.
Other dignitaries and stakeholders who also graced the occasion were, Chairman House Committee on Human Rights and Legal Matters, Hon. Abiola Peter Makinde, representative of the Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, representative of the Commission of Police, Lagos State, Chairman Nigerian Bar Association, Ikrodu, Bayo Akinlade, representative of the Director General Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, representative of International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Victor Lutenco (Senior Programme Coordinator), representative of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Frederick Uche Oko, and the Vice Chairman NBA Lagos State, Esther Jimo, etc.
FG REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN NIGERIA
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NSCDC TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CYBER CRIME PROHIBITION, PREVENTION ACT 2015 IN INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS
NSCDC TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CYBER CRIME PROHIBITION, PREVENTION ACT 2015 IN INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS
By: Michael Mike
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu has disclosed that henceforth, investigation and prosecution of offenders of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) would be carried out under relevant provisions, protection of CNII order, 2024.
Odumosu made the disclosure during a one day internal workshop to acquaint personnel of relevant department and units of the Command, such as ICT, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Intelligence and Investigation, Legal unit and personnel from the Area Commands and Divisions, with the provisions of the cybercrimes Acts and Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) order.

The workshop was convened in line with the directive of the Commandant General (CG), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni OFR, following the directive of the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on the application of the cyber crimes prohibition, prevention etc Act, 2015, in the prosecution of offences relating to Critical Information Infrastructure (CNII) as contained in the designation and protection of CNII order, 2024.
He said some individuals apprehended for vandalism or stealing CNII, like fiber optics cables, transmission towers, communication bases and switching stations with other ICT – related infrastructure are still being charged under conventional laws applicable to theft or malicious damage which has failed to address the National Security, Economic and Strategic implications of tampering with CNII.
The FCT Boss hinted that it was imperative to note that CNII comprises of Networks, systems, and facilities especially in telecommunications, finance, energy, transportation, and Defence whose disruption could compromise National Security, Economic and Public Safety.
The Commandant said CNII remains one of the core mandates of the Corps and all hands must be on deck to ensure that Critical National Assets and Infrastructure remains secured and capable of supporting the nation’s growth in this digital era.
“This gathering is not just a response to security threats but a proactive step towards fostering collaboration, innovation and strategic planning to safeguard our cultural heritage from vandalism”

“It must be clear that the Cybercrime law underscore the fact that attacks are no longer just physical – cutting cables, vandalizing installation but also digital or hybrid system interference, unauthorized access, data tampering”.
He urged all the participants to cascade the knowledge they have garnered to officers under them to ensure that vandalism is completely obliterated from the Capital Territory.
NSCDC TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CYBER CRIME PROHIBITION, PREVENTION ACT 2015 IN INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS
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NSCDC Arrests Kidnap Syndicate Along Zaria-Kano Highway
NSCDC Arrests Kidnap Syndicate Along Zaria-Kano Highway
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a five-man syndicate who specializes in kidnapping, extortion, theft and criminal conspiracy and operate along Zaria-Kano road.
Briefing the journalists in Abuja, the Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad Commandant; Apollo Dandaura narrated the encounter with the notorious gang nabbed for committing brigandage and forcefully attacked one Sani Ahmad driving along Zaria to Kano and was flagged down by the gang on the account that there was danger ahead.
He said the victim, Sani Ahmad was compelled to stop the vehicle unknown to him that he was already in the hands of kidnappers who subsequently extorted valuables from him.
Sani Ahmad from his statement hinted that he is a journalist and on the said day, he was travelling with his friend, Mallam Haruna, his wife and child but the unfortunate incident happened after he dropped his friend and family in Zaria and continued his journey to Kano.
He said: “After insisting that I stopped the Car, they invaded my vehicle and picked my travelling bag, took 2 IPhones 12 Pro max, Techno Camon 40 pro and compelled me to transfer ₦300,000 through my Opay Account to an Opay account 9026238691 with the name Abdullahii Lawan Garba which was provided by one Ibrahim Abubakar after firing a gun to threaten my life”
Dandaura said the names of the suspected kidnappers are: Ibrahim Abubakar Garba, Umar Fulani, Aliyu Mohammed, Murtala Salisu and Imrana Hassan all male and have volunteered statements admitting their individual involvement in the heinous crime committed.
He said the following were recovered as exhibits from the suspects: 6 mini Smart phones, 1 IPhone 12 Pro max, 1 Techno Camon 40 Pro similar to the ones stolen from the victim at gun point already sold to Imrana Hassan; First Bank, Guarantee Trust Bank and Opay ATM cards, 1 Samsung Galaxy A15, 1 Infinix X6531B, 1 Itel keypad phone, Wrist Watches, Ear pods, Bangle, Rings and many other personal belongings.
He affirmed that thorough investigation is ongoing on the case and all suspects would appear before the Court of competent jurisdiction; he however warned travellers to be wary of late night movements noting that criminal minded persons are on rampage to extort innocent citizens most especially as the Yuletide season is very close.
NSCDC Arrests Kidnap Syndicate Along Zaria-Kano Highway
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Global Governance Initiative: China’s Bold Step Against Hegemony, Injustice
Global Governance Initiative: China’s Bold Step Against Hegemony, Injustice
By: Dr. Bridget Chiedu Onochie
At a time when the world is grappling with complex challenges – social unrest, economic hegemony and unhealthy politics, a robust global governance system appears the only panacea. The prevailing unwholesome scenarios playing around the world not completely occasioned by natural tendencies but majorly orchestrated by leadership idiosyncrasies at the global level, no doubt, threatens human peace, and if left untamed, may further destabilize sequence of events by creating disharmony among peoples of the world.
By global governance, we refer to the systems, rules and standards that guide international relations and cooperation among countries, international organizations and other stakeholders in global development and peace. It envisages collaboration among nations towards addressing world’s challenges with international institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund formulating inclusive, equitable and people-oriented policies.
The primary goals of global governance, include promotion of peace and security in such a manner that conflicts are prevented; fostering economic development, protection of human rights by upholding dignity and well-being of people as well as decisively combating global natural challenges such as the climate change, pandemics and any other issue of urgent global interest.
Unfortunately, the inability of the international institutions to balance national interests with global needs, guarantee fair representation and participation, and effectively address complex global challenges through cooperation, diplomacy and other relevant tools, has witnessed escalation of natural occurrences and hostilities across the globe.
The Chinese President, Xi Jinping and his country therefore deserve commendation and accolade for amplifying the call for efficient and enduring global governance.
By proposing the GGI, Xi bold stepped forward to expose existing discrepancy in global governance, especially the forcelessness of the Global South in the essential mechanisms for global governance irrespective of their contributions to world’s economy and overall development.
The gap in international relations and its governance process have over the years, denied the essential contributions and cumulative insight of the majority of the world stakeholders.
The initiative, which was proposed by President Xi on September 1, 2025, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO Plus) meeting held at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center, among other necessities, targets necessary reforms at the global institutions’ level.
That GGI was tied to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, having been established on October 24, 1945, speaks volume of Chinese attention to history and how its hands in shaping the future.
Unfortunately, 80 years down the lane, the global institutions entrusted with the responsibilities of safeguarding member countries, especially the less powerful nations from socio-economic hegemony, appeared overwhelmed while blatant disregard for territorial sovereignty permeates the world.
One of the greatest benefits of the proposed
GGI as canvassed by several well-meaning citizens of the world therefore is the expected drastic reforms of the institutions to enshrine inclusivity and mutual respect.
As aptly proposed by China, there should be a commitment to peaceful coexistence and strengthening of confidence in a manner that guarantees a win-win situation. Beyond the proposal, China has also volunteered to work with all countries to ensure that a more just and equitable global governance system is enshrined. This perhaps, may be one of the fastest lane to its long time clamour for a community with a shared future for humanity.
The Global Governance as an initiative stands on five solid pillars of sovereign equality, international rule of law, practical multilateralism, people-centered approach and taking real actions.
Through these pillars, China canvasses a global governance structure that promotes to sovereign equality by ensuring that all countries, irrespective of size, strength and wealth, are equal participants in decision-making, beneficiaries in global governance. It also seeks greater effort towards entrenching a democratic culture in international relations to the extent of amplifying the voice of developing countries by increasing their representations in international institutions.
The second pillar, which dwells on the need to abide by international rule of law, clearly defines the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and other universally recognized basic norms of international relations. It holds that international law and rules should be applied equally and uniformly without double standards or few countries imposed upon others.
The GGI expressed the need to uphold the vision of global governance that features extensive consultation and joint contributions for shared benefit, that which strengthens solidarity and coordination, opposed to unilateralism, and that, which firmly safeguards the status and authority of the U.N to enable it play the expected key role in global governance.
Another reason for seeking a reform of the global governance system is to make governance more people-oriented, the one that recognizes people of every nation as equal players and by so doing, gradually bridges the gulf between the Global North and the South.
There is also need to transcend rhetoric in addressing world challenges. The new GGI supports a systematic and holistic coordination of global actions and the ability to fully mobilize resources, struggle for more visible outcomes and enhance practical cooperation to prevent the governance system from disintegration.
Since no individual or country gives what it doesn’t have, it is not surprising therefore that the in past 24 years, the SCO has adhered faithfully to the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development, thereby setting the pace for practical and exemplary global governance.
The fact that China’s regional affairs are inclusively discussed and provides platforms and mechanisms for actions built together and cooperation that benefits buttressed the possibility of a new global governance if players are determined and resolute.
The SCO has drawn inspiration from the lessons of the past and their contemporary implications. According to experts, foundation of the initiative was laid by issues emanating from rigorous interrogations of the prevailing existential reality and international conditions, a circumstance that promotes survival of the fittest and emphases for living before essence.
The GGI is therefore a clarion call for objective representation of every country, for collective consensus of the global family that defies factional coalitions and bloc loyalty, having been conspicuously made evident that no matter how powerful some countries may be, they may not possess adequate mechanism to deal with emerging challenges of international system exclusively.
As the wave of development blows across the globe, even the once relegated, developing, nations are experiencing subtle but accelerated progress in science and technology. That is the reality of the Global South, especially China, which has astronomically leapt into the mainstream of the contemporary global power.
Yet, the beauty of China’s development is the positive impacts that country has made on other continents and respective countries of the world, including Africa. By so doing, it has assumed, without self-gratification, international responsibilities as the emerging big brother of the Global South, not only with the deployment of its resources to translate visions to visible, actionable development but equally, building a reputation for seeking inclusive world that is peaceful, equitable and conducive for all.
Therefore, the five GIG concepts, which are already set in motion in China, should be considered imperative for the new global order. The fact that SCO has increasingly become a catalyst for the development and reform of the global governance system is something that should excite the world rather than build walls of sentiments.
President Xi in his powerful address reiterated that China was ready to work with all parties in order to uphold courageously, the great principle and the common good of the world, to promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, to resolutely safeguard the fruits of their victory in the War, to deliver more benefits to the entire humanity through the reform of the global governance system and to build of a community with a shared future for humanity.
For Nigerians across different sectors, a new Global Governance Initiative (CGI) is the long awaited game-changer. Although it is the fourth development idea proposed by China under the leadership of Xi, it is highly expected that other ideas will seamlessly fall in line if global governance is gotten right.
The Federal government of Nigeria has also described the initiative as a well thought out contribution towards strengthening the international system. As one of the Africa’s largest economies and an active participant in multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria sees GGI as a valuable platform for advancing shared priorities, including reform of the UN, inclusive governance in emerging domains and promotion of equitable development.
By this, it has joined the rest of the peace-loving countries of the world to reaffirm sustained commitment to a just, inclusive and effective international order, which reflects the aspirations of all peoples, and upholds the principles of shared responsibility and mutual respect.
For China, the Global South appreciates your contributions and constant reminder in words and actions, that no nation should be left behind. The newly proposed GGI is just one of those valuable contributions.
Global Governance Initiative: China’s Bold Step Against Hegemony, Injustice
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