LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND PATHWAYS TO EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53704/fulaj.v1i2.559Abstract
This article delves into the legal and institutional frameworks designed to protect human rights in Nigeria, addressing the challenges and proposing pathways to effective enforcement. Utilizing a primarily doctrinal research methodology, it draws from various primary sources such as the Nigerian Constitution, Child Rights Act, and Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, alongside secondary sources like textbooks, journals, articles, and materials from organizations such as the NHRC and relevant websites. The article reveals that despite Nigeria's establishment of institutional structures for human rights protection, these mechanisms are weakened by widespread abuses perpetrated by individuals, government bodies, and agencies. It advocates for bolstering transparency and accountability within these institutions through mechanisms that facilitate public oversight and reporting of human rights violations. Ultimately, the article underscores the importance of fortified institutions in cultivating trust and confidence among the populace, fostering engagement, and promoting transparent, impartial, and law-abiding governance.
Keywords: Human Rights, Institutional Frameworks, Safeguards, Nigeria
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References
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Ibid.
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Ibid.
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Ibid.
Ibid.
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The African Charter has been ratified and domesticated in Nigeria, the Law is referred to as African Charter on Human and People's Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 1983. See also: Eghosa Osa Ekhator, “The impact of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on domestic law: a case study of Nigeria”, Commonwealth Law Bulletin, (2015) Vol. 41, No. 2, 253–270, DOI: 10.1080/03050718.2015. <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279250631_The_impact_of_the_African_Charter_on_Human_and_Peoples'_Rights_on_domestic_law_a_case_study_of_Nigeria> accessed 25 May 2024
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Section 5(a) – (j) of NHRC Act
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Section 5(a) National Human Rights Commission Act Cap N46 LFN, 2004 (hereinafter referred to us as NHR Act)
Section 5(a) – (J) National Human Rights Commission Act Cap N46 LFN, 2004 (hereinafter referred to us as NHR Act).
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid
S.O. Nnamani, “INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN NIGERIA: AN APPRAISAL” JOURNAL OF INT'L LAW 7 JURIS accessed 25 May 2024
ibid
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ibid
Oluwapelumi M. Mofoluwawo, “THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC COMPLAINTS COMMISSION IS CLOTHED WITH EXTENSIVE POWER OF INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINT WHICH MIGHT BE BROUGHT TO IT BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC” <https://www.academia.edu/30538791/PUBLIC_COMPLAINT_COMMISSION_docx> accessed 8 June 2024
ibid
. Obayemi, ‘’ Assessment of the Role of the Nigerian Police Force in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria’’, Annual Survey of International & Comparative Law, vol. 23, no. 1, 2019, pp 11-31
Ibid.
A Oluwafemi, ‘Outrage as police officer kills Lagos lawyer on Christmas Day’ Channels (Nigeria26 December 2022) https://www.thecable.ng/outrage-as-police-officer-kills-female-lawyer-on-christmas-day accessed 1 January 2023.
Ibid.
N. J. Madubuike-Ekwe, and O. K. Olumide, "Assessment of the Role of the Nigerian Police Force in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria" (2019) (23) (1) Annual Survey of International & Comparative Law; 01 – 31; available at: <https://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1211&context=annlsurvey> accessed 9th June 2024.
V. Mpamugo, The Role of the Nigerian Police in Human Rights Protection and Enforcement (Abia State, L.J, 1996) 29
ibid
O Duru, 'An Overview of the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009’<http://ssrn.com/abstract=2156750> accessed 8 August 2022; O Kalu, 'Nigeria: Challenges in Enforcement of Fundamental Rights in Nigeria’ (2020)<https://www.mondaq.com/nigeria/human-rights/986460/> accessed 8 June 2024.
Sections 272(1) of the 1999 constitution.
Sections 251(1) of the 1999 constitution.
(2013) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1350) 225.
See: Bronik Motors Ltd. v. Wema Bank Ltd. (1985). 35 NCLR 296; Turkur v. Government of Gongola State (1989). 4 N.W.L.R (Pt. 117) 208.
Hereinafter referred to as LACON.
C.M. Elikwu, O.J. Olujobi and E. T. Yebisi, “The legal and institutional framework for the protection of religious rights in Nigeria and the right to wear Hijab in public institutions” <https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.132637.1> accessed 9 June 2024
Ibid
Examples: Courts may lack basic amenities, modern technology, and sufficient personnel, leading to delays in legal proceedings and case backlogs. Law enforcement agencies might be under-equipped, affecting their ability to respond promptly and effectively to crimes.
Examples: Bribery can result in the dismissal of cases, tampering with evidence, and the release of guilty parties. Corrupt practices might also lead to wrongful convictions of innocent individuals who cannot afford to pay bribes.
T. Adeola & Austin Oyinladehe, “Enforcement Of Fundamental Rights In Nigeria” (18 MARCH 2024) <https://www.mondaq.com/nigeria/human-rights/1439386/the-enforcement-of-fundamental-rights-in-nigeria#:~:text=The%20breach%20of%20any%20fundamental,from%20sections%2033%20to%2046.> accessed 9th June 2024.
The term poverty refers to the state or condition in which people or communities lack the financial resources and other essentials for a minimum standard of living. See: James Chen, “What Is Poverty? Meaning, Causes, and How To Measure” <https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/poverty.asp#:~:text=The%20term%20poverty%20refers%20to,meet%20their%20basic%20human%20needs> accessed 25th June 2024.
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