Strat.1 Ensure laws and policies that protect human rights are implemented effectively.
Strat.2 Strengthen the National Human Rights Commission to make it more effective
Strat.3 Strengthen the Human Rights Committee of the House to conduct oversight of government agencies and promote human rights education and human rights ombuds in law enforcement agencies (e.g., Police Act, 2022, the Armed Forces Act).
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 The House of Representatives introduced and considered critical bills aimed at strengthening the legal framework for human rights protection, including the Human Rights Defenders Bill, which seeks to provide legal backing and protection for individuals and organisations advocating for human rights in Nigeria. For instance
1. Protection of Human Rights Defenders: The House considered the Human Rights Defenders Bill (HB 1867), which seeks to establish a legal framework for the protection of individuals and organisations involved in the promotion and defence of human rights in Nigeria. The Bill passed second reading on the floor of the House in April 2025, demonstrating legislative interest in strengthening protections for human rights defenders. A public hearing on the Bill, alongside the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill (HB 2376), was subsequently held on 4 March 2026, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the proposed reforms. (https://placng.org/i/events/public-hearing-on-the-human-rights-defenders-bill-hb-1867-and-the-national-human-rights-commission-repeal-and-enactment-bill-hb-2376/)
2. Strengthening Responses to Gender-Based Violence: The House has also considered bills and passed motions aimed at strengthening Nigeria's legal response to gender-based violence, including proposed reforms to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP). These legislative efforts reflect the House's role in addressing gaps in the existing legal framework and strengthening measures for the prevention of violence and protection of survivors.
3. Protection of Children and Vulnerable Groups: The House further demonstrated its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations through the Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults (Vulnerable Groups) Establishment Bill, 2025 (HB 2377). The Bill was listed for first reading during plenary on 24 June 2025, signalling legislative attention to the establishment of stronger safeguards for children and vulnerable adults. (https://placng.org/i/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/House-of-Reps-order-paper-Tuesday-24-June-2025.pdf)
Strat.2 1. The House of Representatives, through its Committee on Human Rights, has undertaken legislative and institutional measures to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). These efforts include collaboration with the NHRC and Civil Society Organizations on capacity-building initiatives, as well as the consideration of the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill (HB 2376), which seeks to enhance the Commission’s legal mandate, investigative powers, and institutional effectiveness. The bill is currently at the Committee Stage.
2. The House of Representatives has also advocated for increased funding for the NHRC to improve its operational capacity and effectiveness in promoting and protecting human rights nationwide. In this regard, the Commission’s budget allocation increased from ₦5 billion in 2024 to ₦8 billion in 2025. (See page 83 of the commission's annual report - https://www.nigeriarights.gov.ng/files/publications/Annual%20Report/NHRC%20ANNUAL%20REPORT%202025.pdf)
Strat.3 Through its oversight functions, the House of Representatives continues to monitor the activities and regularly engage with the National Human Rights Commission and other MDAs to ensure compliance with human rights laws and obligations in its operations.
In partnership with non-governmental organisations and development partners, the House of Representatives has undertaken targeted capacity-building initiatives strengthen the operational effectiveness of its Committee on Human Rights, with a view to improving legislative oversight and advancing the protection of human rights in Nigeria
Judicial Reform, Rule of Law and Human Rights
Not started
In progress
Completed
Implementation Strategies
Strat.1 Initiate legal reforms to address systemic human right issues (e.g., improving the criminal justice system, prison conditions, access to justice, etc.)
Strat.2 Continuous review and reform the existing legal frameworks to ensure they aligns with international human rights standards.
Strat.3 Partner with civil society organizations in advocating, monitoring, and reporting human rights issues
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 In an attempt to initiate legal reforms aimed at addressing systemic human rights issues—such as improving the criminal justice system, prison conditions, and access to justice—the 10th House of Representatives has taken significant legislative steps, including the following actions:
1. The House has advanced legislative measures aimed at reforming the criminal justice system, including amendments to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), to promote fair trial guarantees, reduce pre-trial detention, and enhance the efficiency of judicial processes.
2. As part of the constitutional review exercise, the House of Representatives has initiated bills to reinforce provisions on fundamental human rights, social justice, and the rule of law. The House has passed motions and supported bills for second reading aimed at expanding access to legal aid services some of these bills include:
3. Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2262): On 6th May 2025, the House passed this bill for First Reading. The bill seeks to strengthen procedural fairness, reduce delays in criminal trials, and improve detainee rights in line with modern justice standards.(HB.2262)- (https://lightraymedia.org/2025/05/06/resumption-of-plenary-house-of-reps-tuesday-may-6th-2025)
4. Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2261) - On 7th May 2025, this bill also passed First Reading. It proposes key reforms to outdated provisions in the Criminal Code, focusing on enhanced protections for vulnerable groups and alignment with international human rights standards. (https://lightraymedia.org/2025/05/08/nigeria-national-assembly-plenary-proceedings-house-of-reps-wed-may-7th-2025)
5. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, No.19, 2019 to Establish a Trust Fund for the Reformation and Rehabilitation of Inmates to Promote successful Reintegration into Society upon discharge and for Related Matters (HB. 2374). Sponsored by Hon. Olusola Steve Fatoba) – passed second reading. (https://lightraymedia.org/2025/07/02/plenary-proceedings-house-of-reps-for-wed-july-2nd-2025).
6. Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2427) (Sponsored by Hon. Festus Akingbaso) – passed First Reading on the 3rd July 2025 ( https://lightraymedia.org/2025/07/03/nigeria-national-assembly-plenary-house-of-reps-thursday-july-3rd-2025).
7. Victims’ Rights Bill 2024 (https://tinyurl.com/4at2fspd)
Strat.2 The House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights has undertaken some legislative reforms in the ongoing Constitutional amendment and through bill processes to align Nigeria's legal framework with international human rights standards. Key initiatives include the consideration of Bills HB 1867 and HB 2376 on Human Rights Institutions in Nigeria. Public hearings and stakeholder consultations on the bills was held on 4 March 2026. Upon enactment, these reforms are expected to strengthen compliance with international human rights obligations. (https://placng.org/i/events/public-hearing-on-the-human-rights-defenders-bill-hb-1867-and-the-national-human-rights-commission-repeal-and-enactment-bill-hb-2376/ )
Strat.3 The House of Representatives through its Committee on Human Rights have engaged with local and international human rights organisations to align legislative actions with global best practices and leverage technical support for implementing human rights issues in Nigeria. For instance the House of Representatives has partnered with Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (https://placng.org/i/events/retreat-of-the-house-of-representatives-committee-on-human-rights/), YIAGA Africa, CISLAC, among other organisations in advocating on Human Rights Related issues. (https://parliamentreports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Parliamentary-Development-Programme-of-10th-House-of-Representatives.pdf?utm)
Judicial Reform, Rule of Law and Human Rights
Not started
In progress
Completed
Implementation Strategies (STRAT)
Strat.1 Pass legislation that protects and promote human rights
Strat.2 Domesticate the relevant international human rights treaties
Specific Legislative Actions
Strat.1 The House of Representatives has advanced the protection and promotion of human rights in Nigeria by enhancing legal safeguards, improving access to justice, empowering oversight institutions, and fostering inclusivity for vulnerable groups through constitutional amendments, oversight, and targeted bills such as the Human Rights Defenders Bill HB 1867 and Human RIghts Commission Act (Repeal and Enanctment) bill (HB. 2376) - passed second reading on the flooors of the House of Representatives in April, 2025 (https://eusee.hivos.org/alert/human-right-defenders-bill-passes-second-reading/), and public hearing held on the 4th of March 2026. (https://placng.org/i/events/public-hearing-on-the-human-rights-defenders-bill-hb-1867-and-the-national-human-rights-commission-repeal-and-enactment-bill-hb-2376/)
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults (Vulnerable Groups) Establishment Bill, 2025 (HB.2377) - first reading on 24th June, 2025 Plenary (https://placng.org/i/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/House-of-Reps-order-paper-Tuesday-24-June-2025.pdf)
Strat.2 The 10th House of Representatives has not yet achieved comprehensive domestication of relevant international human rights treaties — progress is limited to selected instruments, with several key treaties still pending legislative action.
The House of Representatives established a Committee on Treaties, Protocols, and Agreements with the mandate to facilitate and engage with relevant stakeholders on the domestication of international human rights treaties.
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