Shettima assures of Nigeria’s commitment to human rights protection, hails Fagbemi

Shettima described Fagbemi as a very brilliant, intelligent, and upright man whose efforts have had a profound impact on advancing justice in the country.

He encouraged the dialogue to critically evaluate the ongoing conflicts fuelled by insurgency and to propose actionable solutions that could bring peace and stability to Nigeria.

Speaking earlier, Fagbemi highlighted the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to refine Nigeria's justice system, ensuring that it meets both domestic and international standards.

He noted recent achievements, such as the domestication of key international humanitarian law (IHL) treaties and the enactment of significant legislative reforms like the Anti-Torture Act and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The AGF also announced that the government was making substantial investments to improve the country's correctional facilities, ensuring they meet minimum human rights standards and focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Fagbemi added that the country's security forces are being equipped with the necessary training to adhere to the principles of IHL, particularly the Geneva Conventions, to ensure they operate in line with global human rights standards.

The AGF said Nigeria’s ongoing cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) aims to strengthen the country’s justice system while supporting global peace and security.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support for the implementation of IHL treaties and for prioritizing justice reforms in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, reiterated the importance of IHL, especially in light of the rising disregard for civilian protection in global conflicts.

Jeddy-Qgba, who is also the Chairperson of NCIHLIN, stressed stage nee for the country to continue to drive compliance with IHL both on the negotiation tables and on the frontlines, ensuring that the principles of international law are respected in all security operations.

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She stressed the pivotal role of NCIHLIN in translating global standards into domestic practices while outlining the Committee’s objectives to enhance the systematic application of IHL in Nigeria, particularly through the domestication of additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions and the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Jeddy-Qgba also noted the importance of embedding IHL principles into the country’s security architecture to ensure that respect for humanitarian norms becomes a core part of military and governance culture.

Among other personalities at the event were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; and the Governor of Borno State, represented by the state Attorney-General Hauwa Abubakar, delivering goodwill messages in support of Nigeria's efforts to strengthen its human rights protections.

Also in attendance at the event were Justice Binta Muritala-Nyako of the Federal High Court, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman.

In his goodwill message, Kalu assured that the House of Representatives will give the implementation of international treaties the attention it deserves, adding that the Bill seeking the domestication of international treaties and laws receives the speedy attention it deserves.

"We will continue to work closely with the executive arm of government and other stakeholders in ensuring that, the Geneva Convention is out into practice in the country", the Deputy Speaker said and added that, the federal government is determined in the promotion and protection of human rights of its citizens.