Tinubu Requests Senate Confirmation for NHRC Board

President Bola Tinubu has reconstituted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by submitting a request to the Senate for the confirmation of 15 nominees. This move is intended to enhance the country's human rights protection framework.

The request was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session. The proposed chairman of the NHRC board is Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, with Dr. Anthony Ojukwu, SAN, serving as the executive secretary.

The list of nominees includes 13 individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, notably journalist Ayo Adewuyi from Nigerian Television, author Maup Ogun from Channel Television, and legal practitioner Chinony Obiaku, SAN. The nominations are made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act 2010, which empowers the President to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.

The Senate has referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for screening, with a report expected within two weeks. The new board is anticipated to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC's oversight functions, particularly amid heightened concerns regarding human rights protections in Nigeria.