By Ibironke Ariyo
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice and governance sector have called for stronger enforcement of human rights, improved access to justice, and greater use of public interest litigation as a tool for democratic accountability.
The call was made at the official launch and dissemination of the “Guide to Human Rights and Public Interest Litigation in Nigeria”, on Monday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
In his welcome address, PLAC Executive Director, Clement Nwankwo, said the guide was developed to strengthen the culture of human rights activism and litigation in Nigeria.
Nwankwo said that the guide also described law as a powerful instrument for social engineering and reform.
He said the publication was designed to encourage Nigerians to challenge violations of their rights through the courts rather than accept abuse.
Nwankwo, however, lamented the persistence of human rights violations across the country, including cases of prolonged detention without trial.
“Victims often lack access to justice due to limited legal awareness.
“There are delays in bail processes, prolonged detention while awaiting bail rulings are as troubling and incompatible with justice delivery,” he said.
In his remarks, Justice Emmanuel Agin of the Supreme Court stressed the need for a fact-based assessment of the judiciary’s role in human rights protection.
Agin warned against generalised criticisms that ignored progress made by the courts.
He urged public commentators to rely on specific evidence when making claims of rights violations, noting that isolated cases should not be used to undermine the broader efforts of the judiciary.
Agin further emphasised the importance of constitutional rights, particularly the right to vote as the foundation of all other rights, calling for greater awareness and promotion of constitutional guarantees.
“There should be a more liberal interpretation of locus standi to strengthen public interest litigation.
“Also, expanded access to courts is essential for justice, especially in cases affecting vulnerable communities,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Peter Makinde, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, described the guide as a significant milestone in strengthening access to justice and reinforcing democratic governance.
Makinde said the manual provides a practical roadmap for human rights litigation and would serve as a valuable resource for lawyers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and policymakers in advancing accountability and rights protection.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to upholding the rule of law and strengthening institutions that protect fundamental rights.
He commended PLAC for its sustained contributions to democratic development and human rights advocacy in Nigeria.
Also speaking, FCDO Governance Adviser, Matthew Ayibakuro, described public interest litigation as a cornerstone of democratic accountability, noting that rights must move from constitutional guarantees to practical enforcement.
He said the guide strengthened the capacity of legal practitioners, civil society actors, and public institutions to translate rights into real protection and remedies.
“Effective rights enforcement contributes directly to development outcomes, including stronger institutions, better governance, and improved public trust,” he said.
Ayibakuro reaffirmed FCDO’s commitment to supporting locally driven reforms that strengthen democratic governance, human rights protection, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
He urged stakeholders across sectors to actively engage with the guide, describing its launch as the beginning of wider impact rather than an endpoint.
The stakeholders collectively expressed optimism that the publication would deepen access to justice, strengthen accountability, and enhance human rights protection in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
