…Initiative introduces focal officers and structured channels to address abuses and rebuild public trust
The Federal Government on Wednesday launched a new institutional framework to strengthen collaboration between the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, and the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, describing it as a major step toward addressing human rights violations, improving police accountability and rebuilding public confidence in law enforcement.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, inaugurated the NHRC–NPF Liaison Framework at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja. He said the initiative would institutionalise cooperation between both agencies to ensure more effective protection of citizens’ rights and improve the administration of justice.
Fagbemi acknowledged that a significant number of complaints received by the commission still emanate from alleged abuses by law enforcement agencies. He said government has a constitutional and international obligation under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ICCPR, to provide effective remedies for victims.
“Effective policing and respect for human rights are mutually reinforcing objectives that strengthen public confidence, improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the criminal justice system.”
— Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney-General of the Federation
The Attorney-General described the liaison framework as a practical mechanism that would enable the NHRC and the police to improve communication, facilitate prompt handling of complaints, strengthen oversight of police detention facilities, and ensure greater compliance with human rights standards.
He said the framework introduces designated focal officers at national and operational levels, transforming previous informal engagements into a structured institutional relationship. Emphasis will also be placed on preventing rights violations through continuous dialogue, training and preventive oversight.
Fagbemi highlighted ongoing reforms including the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and the Police Act, 2020. He added that the Tinubu administration had also improved judicial infrastructure, filled judicial vacancies and enhanced welfare for judicial officers.
He further linked the reforms to broader security welfare, noting that President Tinubu had approved a 30 to 80 per cent salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces to boost professionalism and morale.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, described the inauguration as the beginning of a new phase of institutional partnership. He traced the framework to a June 16, 2025 working visit by the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee and subsequent consultations with police leadership.
Ojukwu commended the Inspector-General of Police for approving the reactivation and for supporting national coordination structures. He said the partnership would establish structured communication channels, improve complaint resolution, strengthen detention monitoring, and build officers’ capacity.
“Our shared objective is clear—to ensure that policing activities across Nigeria consistently uphold the rule of law, professionalism and respect for the dignity of every person,” he said.
Fagbemi expressed optimism that the framework would strengthen human rights-compliant policing, improve detention oversight, enhance accountability and reinforce public trust. He urged all institutions to remain committed to its implementation.
