In its bid to ensure that businesses operating within the country adhere to both nationally, regionally and internationally recognised human rights standards, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has inaugurated a national working group on Business and Human Rights.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, who disclosed this during a high-level forum on business and human rights, which took place on Wednesday in Abuja, said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the journey towards promoting responsible business practices and upholding human rights in Nigeria.
While expressing his gratitude to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approving the 2024-2027 National Action Plan on Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Ojukwu revealed that the plan also contains the national action plan on business and human rights.
He added that the landmark decision demonstrated government’s recognition of the crucial link between business activities and the protection of human rights as well as marked the end of series of stakeholders’ engagement and consultative process on the draft document.
He further reiterated that inaugurating the national working committee on business and human rights will also set the stage for a sustained comprehensive and coordinated approach to address the challenges and opportunities at the nexus of business and human rights.
“The inauguration of the National Working Group on Business and Human Rights at this occasion is targeted at exploiting the opportunities presented by the National Action Plan for the Promotion of human rights to chart the future for mainstreaming Human Rights into business in Nigeria.
“Through these deliberations, we aim to identify practical strategies, innovative approaches, and effective mechanisms to ensure that businesses respect and protect human right throughout their operations and value chains. The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights serves as our guiding framework, providing a roadmap for integrating human rights considerations into business practices. It outlines key priority areas, such as human rights due diligence, the duty is to protect by government, the responsibility to request by businesses access to remedy, sustainable development goals, and the rights of vulnerable groups,” the NHRC boss stated.
“This high-level forum provides a platform for robust discussions, knowledge-sharing, and the exchange of ideas on how best we can implement the NAP and make our country investor-friendly while respecting human rights.
“We have the privilege of engaging with experts, practitioners, and thought leaders from various sectors who will contribute their invaluable insights and experiences.
“Through these deliberations, we aim to identify practical strategies, innovative approaches, and effective mechanisms to ensure that businesses respect and protect human rights throughout their operations and value chains,” he stressed.
The NAP on business and human rights serves as the guiding framework, providing a roadmap for integrating human rights considerations into business practices.
“This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in our journey towards promoting responsible business practices and upholding human rights in Nigeria,” Ojukwu said.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Governing Council of the NHRC, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman said that business activities have a profound impact on societies, economies, and the lives of individuals.
She stated that it was therefore imperative that the country ensures its activities align with human rights principles, respect the dignity and wellbeing of all individuals, and contribute to sustainable development.
She added: “This forum serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among key stakeholders, including government representatives, business leaders, civil society organisations, and human rights advocates.
“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.”
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