The federal government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the human rights of business owners operating within the country, promising to strengthen access to justice and promote transparency in business operations.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN gave the assurance, yesterday at a High-level National Dialogue on advancing business and human rights in Nigeria, a programme organised by the National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with the United Nations Government, the UKAID, the UN Global Compact as well as the UN Conference of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, under the co-partnership of the Royal Korean-Norwegian Embassy, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and the United Nations Development Program.
Fagbemi, who said Nigeria is adopting a holistic approach to addressing rights protection issues in business, also emphasised that it would cover everything from employment practices, environmental sustainability, gender equality, land rights, and security.
The minister revealed that the federal government is determined to ensure that the implementation of this Action Plan is inclusive and impactful, adding that the initiative is already strengthening the bond between government, business, and civil society and laying the foundation for Nigeria to serve as a model in Africa for responsible and rights-conscious business conduct.
“As we move from policy to practice, the government spearheads nationwide awareness campaigns, institutional capacity building, and targeted engagement with public and private entities. Mechanisms are being implemented to strengthen access to justice, promote transparency in business operations, and empower communities, particularly those most vulnerable to rights violations, to participate in decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods actively”, he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu, said the workshop reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that the country‘s economic development and business environment are anchored on respect for human rights and dignity. He added that the meeting will position the country as a leading ethical business home.
Ojukwu revealed that Nigeria is among the first countries on the continent to adopt a national short-term plan on business and human rights in 2023. He said the approval of the Regional Executive Council and the adoption of the National Short-Term Plan on Business and Human Rights marked a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey to ensuring that economic development and business environment are anchored on respect for human rights and the dignity of all.