NHRC Launches Borno Working Group to Strengthen Human Rights in Business
By Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has inaugurated the Borno State Working Group on Business and Human Rights (BWGBHR), led by NHRC Executive Secretary and CEO, Dr. Tony Ojukwu.
The group, comprising representatives from the NHRC, civil society organizations, government agencies, and development partners, is dedicated to advancing responsible business practices that align with human rights standards.
Dr. Ojukwu emphasized that the working group’s role is to deepen Nigeria’s commitment to international human rights standards in business operations.
“Our efforts aim to foster business practices that respect and protect human rights,” he said during the inauguration held on Monday in Maiduguri. He further urged the working group to engage extensively with the NHRC and relevant government bodies.
The working group was also tasked with implementing the federal government’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR), a comprehensive framework for safeguarding human rights in business. According to Dr. Ojukwu, the NAPBHR will serve as a guide for promoting these rights within Nigeria’s business environment.
Highlighting NHRC’s goal to embed the NAPBHR at the state level, Dr. Ojukwu noted that Borno is one of the pilot states chosen for this initiative. “This working group is expected to adapt the NAPBHR to suit the specific context of Borno State,” he directed.
Borno State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Hauwa Abubakar, also addressed the group, underscoring the importance of the Special Independent Investigative Panel’s (SIIP) role in ensuring that business activities uphold justice and human rights in the state.
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