The National Human Rights Commission, in collaboration with Stonetrisha Nig. Ltd, has organised training on the implementation of the 2026 National Action Plan on Human Rights in Delta.
The programme engaged Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organisations, and media practitioners to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights across the state on Tuesday in Asaba.
In his opening remarks, Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, called for stronger collaboration in implementing Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Human Rights.
Represented by the State Coordinator of the Commission, Chia Nor, Ojukwu commended stakeholders for their commitment to advancing human rights nationwide.
He said the meeting reflected a collective resolve to promote accountability, justice, equality, and respect for human dignity across all sectors of society.
According to him, the National Action Plan serves as a guiding framework for the promotion and protection of human rights in line with international standards.
Ojukwu noted that the document aligned with the Vienna Declaration adopted at the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, Austria.
He quoted the Attorney-General of the Federation as reaffirming government commitment to protecting rights guaranteed under international conventions and Nigeria’s Constitution.
The NHRC boss recalled that Nigeria adopted its first National Action Plan on Human Rights between 2009 and 2013.
He explained that following the expiration of the first plan, the Commission initiated extensive consultations involving government institutions and civil society organisations.
According to him, the decade-long consultative process culminated in the adoption of the National Action Plan for 2024 to 2028.
Ojukwu said the current phase focused on implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and addressing operational challenges affecting human rights protection.
He stressed the need for stronger synergy between MDAs, CSOs and the media to achieve sustainable results.
The NHRC executive secretary urged participants to provide practical recommendations capable of advancing the objectives of the National Action Plan.
He expressed optimism that the deliberations would strengthen implementation strategies and improve the protection of human rights across Nigeria.
Participants received training on rights covered under the National Action Plan, implementation structures, and governing mechanisms for effective enforcement.
Some participants described the programme as timely and beneficial to strengthening awareness and accountability in human rights administration.
Others, however, raised concerns over alleged interference by certain groups and individuals in the protection of fundamental rights.
The nationwide exercise is scheduled to run from May 4 to May 15, 2026, across the 36 states of the federation
