May 6, 2025
The United Nations and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have called for the full implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
The calls were made in Abuja at a-two-day workshop on National Dialogue on Business and Human Rights.
The workshop is organised by the National Human Rights Commission in partnership with UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO) and the Government of Norway.
Nigeria had adopted the UN Guiding on Principles into its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR).
By implementing the NAPBHR, Nigeria will stand as a trusted, investment friendly economy.
Mr Mohamed Fall, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, in his remarks at the event commended Nigeria for its efforts to prevent and address business-related human rights abuses.
He explained that the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights was a national commitment to protect human dignity, preserve the environment, and ensure that economic progress benefits everyone.
“Its adoption and now its implementation have truly raised hopes for more effective management of human rights risks by businesses.
“It reflects Nigeria’s broader commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.
“When fully implemented, the National Action Plan will align Nigeria’s economic goals with its human rights obligations, including in the face of business-related human rights abuse.
“It lays a strong foundation for ethical business conduct essential for sustainable growth in Africa’s largest economy” he said.
Fall said by doing so, Nigeria was creating a business environment that attracts responsible investment and fosters inclusive prosperity.
According to him, human rights support sustainable business practices that deliver long-term value to society at large. They also make eminent business sense.
“But policies alone do not bring change. Real progress comes from inclusive engagement with key stakeholders, from civil society, private sector leaders, government institutions, academia and most importantly, affected communities.
“The United Nations is proud to support this journey through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNDP, the UN Global Compact, and our entire Country Team.
“We stand ready to assist with elaborating policy frameworks for responsible business conduct and their alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and other authoritative regional and international normative frameworks” he added.
He commended the National Human Rights Commission for its leadership in convening the dialogue.
He further thanked the governments of the United Kingdom and Norway for their valuable support.
“As Nigeria deepens its role in the African Continental Free Trade Area, it has a chance to lead not just economically, but also by mitigating the growing impact of globalised value chains on human rights” he said.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN explained that NAP-BHR was targeted at aligning the economic and business policies and practices with the UNGPs on Business and Human Rights.
He said the Action Plan provided a practical framework for government, businesses, and civil society to work together to prevent, mitigate, and remedy human rights abuses linked to business operations.
“It sets clear benchmarks and allocates responsibilities to ensure measurable progress and accountability across all business sectors.
“A cornerstone of our progress has been the establishment of the National Working Group on Business and Human Rights comprising several stakeholders.
”The working group is envisaged in the NAP-BHR as the implementation tool for the NAP-BHR.
”This workshop is an opportunity to deepen our collaborations, share experiences, and chart a course for the effective implementation of the NAP-BHR,” he said.
Earlier while declaring the workshop open, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN noted that the government was working hard towards the implementation of the Action Plan.
“As we move from policy to practice, the government is spearheading nationwide awareness campaigns, institutional capacity building, and targeted engagement with both public and private entities.
“Mechanisms are being put in place to strengthen access to justice, promote transparency in business operations, and empower communities, particularly, those most vulnerable to rights violations, to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods.
”We are determined to ensure that the implementation of this Action Plan is inclusive and impactful,” he said. (NAN)
