The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu SAN has observed that gaps in enforcement, limited access to justice for victims, weak corporate accountability mechanisms and systemic corruption hinder efforts to fully advance human rights in business sector.
According to the NHRC boss, to overcome these obstacles, Nigeria must bolster enforcement mechanism, strengthen the judicial system to ensure swift justice and foster robust partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote transparency and accountability.
Ojukwu made the remarks on Wednesday in a welcome address at the high-level forum on business and human rights in commemoration of the 2024 international human rights day in Abuja.
The theme of the forum “Stakeholders Perspectives on Advancing Business and Human Rights in Nigeria: A pathway to justice and accountability, according to the Executive Secretary delve into crucial intersection of business, human rights and sustainable development, “exploring how we can forge a path toward justice and accountability”.
He said the event was a crucial opportunity to forge a new pathway-one that places justice and accountability at the heart of business operations.
He said “In Nigeria, the relationship between business operations and human rights is multifaceted, adding that businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute significantly to economic development”.
He added that “we cannot ignore instances of environmental degradation, Labour exploitation, forces evictions and other human rights violations linked to corporate activities”.
He emphasised that in our urban centres, informal labour practices, including child labour and unsafe Working conditions, underscore the urgent need for a framework that ensures businesses operate responsibly while promoting justice and accountability.
“As we commemorate the 2024 international human rights day, let us reaffirm our collective dedication to advancing human rights in all spheres, with a particular focus on the business sector” Ojukwu said.
Similarly, the chairperson of the governing council of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman in an opening statement urged participants to actively engage in the discussions, stressing that “let us leverage this unique opportunity to foster collaboration, build networks, and develop a shared understanding of the complex issues at the intersection of business and human rights.
Dr. Sulaiman, who was represented by Mr. Femi Okeowo said by engaging in open and constructive discussions, “we can identify challenges, explore innovative solutions and forge partnership to promote responsible business conduct and protect human rights.
Sulaiman added “we will work diligently to develop robust policies, advocate for their implementation and engage with relevant stakeholders to promote responsible business practices that uphold human rights right.
Meanwhile, in a keynote address by President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Emeka Obegolu ,SAN highlighted the significance of the event, saying it is intersection between business and human rights.
Obegolu, who spoke through a former minister of state for culture and tourism, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong said businesses are the engine room for growth and development.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria told the gathering that, “we require collaboration of all stakeholders to achieve human rights in business”.
He added that the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has developed comprehensive human rights guidelines to be launched soon.
Additionally, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the ministry of women affairs, ministry of environment, Nigeria Employers Consultative Assembly (NECA), among others gave goodwill messages.
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