On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, chaired by Hon. Dr. Abiodun Peter Makinde, convened a public hearing on two important human rights bills: the Human Rights Defenders Bill (HB 1867) and the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill (HB 2376). The hearing was supported by Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and UK in Nigeria.
The event brought together lawmakers, government institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations to discuss ways to strengthen Nigeria’s human rights protection framework. Key stakeholders in attendance included representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the United Nations, the Nigerian Bar Association, and several civil society organizations.
Discussions focused on how the proposed legislation could enhance institutional capacity, strengthen protections for human rights defenders, and align Nigeria’s legal framework with international standards such as the Paris Principles on Human Rights. Speakers also highlighted the importance of improving institutional independence and developing stronger systems for monitoring human rights risks across the country.