Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, has opposed a proposed Rights Defenders Protection Bill, and the National Human Rights Commission bill.
Fagbemi argued that the proposed legislation could create overlaps and confusion within Nigeria’s legal framework, adding that Nigeria already has sufficient legislation to safeguard civil liberties.
Fagbemi presented the ministry’s position at a public hearing convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights in Abuja. The Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill is intended to protect civil society actors, journalists, lawyers, community leaders, whistleblowers, faith-based groups, and other citizens who advocate peacefully for constitutional and internationally recognised rights.
The hearing was also on the Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Human Rights Commission Act, and enact the National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2025. It sought to strengthen the commission’s investigative powers, reinforce its contribution to the Human Rights Fund, and align Nigeria’s framework with the Paris Principles.
Fagbemi, who was epresented by Reuben Imarha, Chief of State Counsel, argued that Nigeria had enough legislation on human rights protection. He urged Lawmakers to instead empower existing institutions to enhance implementation capacity.
He said that the ministry was strongly against the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, urging the house to jettison the propose legislation.
On the bill for an Act to Repeal the National Human Rights Commission Act, Fagbemi flagged Clause 5(2b), which would require businesses to obtain an annual human rights compliance certificate, noting that while human rights breaches occur in the private sector, the clause could hinder efforts to ease doing business in Nigeria.
He also noted Clause 15 which grants the commission authority to borrow funds for human rights cases, stressing that it must require the ministry’s or National Assembly’s approval to prevent misuse.
Fagbemi also criticised Clause 16(2b), which proposes a quasi-tax obliging multinationals, public, and private companies in the oil and financial sectors to contribute 0.3% of annual profits to the commission. He recommended integrating this provision into the ongoing federal government tax reform programme to avoid duplication.
Civil society advocates bills, however. Jude Ohanele, programme director of Development Dynamics, said the bill provides lawful channels for grievance expression, protects human rights defenders, and reinforces constitutional governance.
He urged the House to expedite its consideration and passage.
Tony Ojokwu, executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, highlighted the bill’s emphasis on compelling businesses to integrate human rights into their operations.
He noted that the Human Rights Fund, established in 2010, remains unfunded, and the bill proposes sourcing funds from the tax reforms to enable enforcement of human rights cases.
