ABUJA – As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate 2024 International Human Rights Day, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu SAN, has highlighted commendable steps Nigeria, through the Commission, has taken to embed human rights considerations into business operations.
Ojukwu made the revelation on Wednesday in a welcome address at the High-Level Forum on Business and Human Rights held at the Commission’headquartersrs in Abuja.
According to the NHRC boss, these steps include; the establishment of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, outlining strategies for implementing the UNGP; Strengtheninging legal frameworks to address critical issues such as environmental protection, labour rights, and corporate governance; Growing awareness among businesses of the importance of integrating Environmental, social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into their operations; The recent establishment of working groups in two states to enhance local implementation and monitoring of human rights policies; and the collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to develop their human rights policy, ensuring responsible business practices in the extractive sector;
Similarly, the NHRC boss further stated that gaps in enforcement, limited access to justice for victims, weak corporate accountability mechanisms and systemic corruption hinder efforts to fully advance human rights in the business sector.
To overcome these obstacles, the NHRC Scribe said Nigeria must bolster enforcement mechanisms, strengthen the judicial system to ensure swift justice and foster robust partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote transparency and accountability.
Recall that the theme of the forum is: “Stakeholders Perspectives on Advancing Business and Human Rights in Nigeria: Pathwayay tJusticece unaccountability.
Ojukwu noted that the theme is apt because delves into the crucial intersection of business, human rights and sustainable development, “exploring how we can forge a path toward justice and accountability”.
He said the event was a crucial opportunity to forge a new pathway-one that places justice and accountability at the heart of business operations.
He said, “In Nigeria, the relationship between business operations and human rights is multifaceted, adding that businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute significantly to economic development”.
He added that “we cannot ignore instances of environmental degradation, Labour exploitation, forces evictions and other human rights violations linked to corporate activities”.
He emphasised that in our urban centres, informal labour practices, including child labour and unsafe Working conditions, underscore the urgent need for a framework that ensures businesses operate responsibly while promoting justice and accountability.
“As we commemorate the 2024 International Human Rights Day, let us reaffirm our collective dedication to advancing human rights in all spheres, with a particular focus on the business sector”, Ojukwu said.
Also, the chairperson of the governing council of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman in an opening statement urged participants to actively engage in the discussions, stressing that “let us leverage this unique opportunity to foster collaboration, build networks, and develop a shared understanding of the complex issues at the intersection of business and human rights.
Dr. Sulaiman, who was represented by Mr. Femi Okeowo, said by engaging in open and constructive discussions, “we can identify challenges, explore innovative solutions and forge partnerships to promote responsible business conduct and protect human rights.
Sulaiman added, “We will work diligently to develop robust policies, advocate for their implementation and engage with relevant stakeholders to promote responsible business practices that uphold human rights right.
Earlier In his keynote address, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, highlighted the significance of the event, saying it is the intersection between business and human rights.
Obegolu, who spoke through a former minister of state for culture and tourism, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong said businesses are the engine room for growth and development.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria told the gathering that, “we require collaboration of all stakeholders to achieve human rights in business”.
He added that the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has developed comprehensive human rights guidelines to be launched soon.
