By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Chairperson of the NHRC Governing Council, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman, urged the National Assembly and the Budget Office to allocate more funding to enable NHRC to complete its remaining 22 state offices and enhance its mandate of providing adequate human rights protection nationwide.

He made this assertion on Monday, February 24, 2025, during the commissioning of the Kebbi State NHRC office in Birnin Kebbi.

She revealed that the commission has constructed nine new offices since 2019, with support from the National Assembly and the Budget Office.

?The Kebbi office being commissioned today is one of those awarded so far, while others will be constructed as funds become available,? she said.

In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, commended the Federal Government for its commitment to strengthening human rights protection through the construction and completion of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) offices in various states.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, he praised the federal government, particularly the Minister of Justice, the NHRC Chairperson, and its Executive Secretary, for their collaborative efforts in establishing a befitting office for the commission.

?We wish to commend the federal government for this initiative. My administration will complement this effort by connecting the office to the national grid and providing an operational vehicle to support its activities in Kebbi State,? he said.

As part of his administration?s commitment to human rights protection, the governor also announced the appointment of an NHRC staff member as a Special Adviser on Human Rights Protection and Enforcement.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), assured that President Bola Tinubu?s administration remains committed to upholding the independence of the NHRC.

?I am happy to say that since the inception of this administration, the government has not interfered with the independence of the NHRC. This administration strongly believes in the promotion and protection of human rights,? Fagbemi stated.

He added that the commissioning of the Kebbi NHRC office further solidifies the commission?s operational independence and demonstrates the federal government?s support for human rights protection.

?The federal government will continue to support NHRC in acquiring permanent offices across the country to enhance its independence and effectiveness in protecting the rights of Nigerians,? he said.

In his remarks, NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, emphasized that the commission?s mandate goes beyond legal obligations, describing it as a moral duty to ensure dignity, freedom, and justice for all Nigerians.

?This mandate entrusted to the NHRC is not merely a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative, a call to action to build a society where dignity, freedom, and justice are the cornerstones of our national life,? Ojukwu said.

The event was attended by government officials, NHRC executives, and other stakeholders committed to human rights protection in Nigeria.

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