The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday launched the National Action Plan and the National Working Group on Business and Human Rights in Abuja.
The launch, was part of events to mark the international human rights day.
Speaking at the high level forum on business and human rights,
the chairman of the Governing Council of the NHRC, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman said business activities have a profound impact on societies, economies, and the lives of individuals, saying it is imperative that we ensure these activities align with human rights principles, respect the dignity and well-being of all individuals, and contribute to sustainable development.
According to her the forum serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among key stakeholders, including government representatives, business leaders, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates.
She added that 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”.
The chairperson of the NHRC governing council noted that as the policy-making arm of the Human Rights, “we are acutely aware of the evolving landscape of business and human rights. We recognize the need for comprehensive policies and frameworks that guide businesses towards integrating human rights into their operations”.
Continuing, “It is our collective responsibility to create an enabling environment that encourages businesses to adopt responsible practices, conduct due diligence, and mitigate any adverse impacts on human rights. During this forum, we will also be inaugurating the National Working Group (NWG) who will spearhead the implementation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights(NAP on BHR)” Suleiman said.
Earlier, in a welcome remarks, the executive secretary of the commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu said the occasion marks a significant milestone in the journey towards promoting responsible business practices and upholding human rights in Nigeria.
He recalled that in April this year, the Federal Executive Council approved the National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
“This achievement registers Nigeria as the third African Country among fifty four (54) other countries to have developed a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights after Kenya and Uganda”.
He explained that the plan also contains the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. “This landmark decision demonstrates the government’s recognition of the crucial link between business activities and the protection of human rights and marks the end of series of stakeholders’ engagement and consultative process on the draft document” he said.
According to Ojukwu the inauguration of the National Working Group on Business and Human Rights is targeted at exploiting the opportunities presented by the NAP on Business and Human Rights to chart the future for mainstreaming Human Rights into business in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who spoke through, Simon Ridley, said the event underscore intersection between business and human rights.
“UNDP recognises the role of NHRC, together we stand to promote responsible business practices” he said.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, represented by Chinonye Obeagwu SAN observed that.the NBA is committed to working with Human Rights to ensure and protect that human rights is integrated in Business in Nigeria.
Barrister Gabriel Ikeji, who represented the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, in a goodwill message noted that labour stand out as cardinal in the four factors of production.
He stressed that there are plan to boost local direct investment to create more job and production and protect every worker.
Additionally, the minister of steel development, Alhaji Shuaibu Audu congratulated NHRC on the action plan, saying it will protect the abuses of human rights in work places.
The minister spoke through Mr. John Madaki, a director in the ministry.
Representative of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Hafsat Shuaibu, applauded the human rights commission for adopting the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, and pledged the support of TUC in solidarity.
Similarly, Matthias Schemale, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator said that the private sector remains the largest sector of the economy, adding that economic development will not be possible without the private sector.
Professor Damilola Olawuyi (SAN), chairman of United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights and who delivered the keynote address, observed that Nigeria now has National Action Plan, saying what is left is how to sustain plan.
“Our principal role is to sustain implementation, human rights should be part of the game” Olawuyi said.
