Nigeria's Reps Approve New Human Rights Commission Act

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has adopted a report on a bill aimed at repealing the National Human Rights Commission Act of 2004 and the National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Act of 2010, replacing them with the proposed National Human Rights Commission Act, 2026. This new legislation is designed to enhance the powers, independence, and funding of the National Human Rights Commission in accordance with the United Nations Paris Principles.

Key provisions include empowering the Commission to conduct thorough investigations into human rights violations, establishing a Human Rights Fund, and creating a National Preventive Mechanism. The bill also seeks to protect human rights defenders and provide a framework for public dialogue on human rights issues.

A significant feature is Clause 21, which establishes a Human Rights Fund financed through 2% of the 50% Development Levy allocated to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other lawful sources. The proposed law aims to create an enabling environment for the promotion and enforcement of rights guaranteed under Nigeria's 1999 Constitution and international treaties.