The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting civic participation and inclusion within Nigeria's obligations in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative, which seeks to promote transparency and accountability.
This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the Commission Tony, Ojukwu SAN, OFR during the visit of the OGP Secretariat to the Commission. The visit was aimed at gathering support of the Commission to the development of the third National Action Plan (NAP 3) of the OGP which commenced in March 2023. The OGP is an important global and national platform where government and civil society leaders come together to shape policies and frameworks that will deliver open, participatory, and accountable governance for the benefit of all. More than 70 countries and over 100 local governments, representing more than two billion people are members of OGP. Nigeria voluntarily joined the OGP in 2016 as the 20th country to be a member.
The visit was also to acquaint the Commission with its role as a member of the Nigerian OGP Steering Committee, and co-chair of the Thematic Working Group on Civic Participation and Inclusion. This thematic Working Group aligns with Commitments 8 and 12 of the third National Action Plan (NAP 3). Commitment 8 focuses on enhancing public engagement in decision-making, while Commitment 12 seeks to advocate for policies that benefit marginalized communities, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
Under these Commitments the NHRC plays a crucial role in advancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in the country's governance processes. To fulfill these tasks, the Commission has outlined a comprehensive approach. Firstly, the Commission will create platforms and mechanisms to enable citizens to participate effectively in governance processes. This includes organizing public consultations, town hall meetings, and online platforms to gather public input on policy development, budgeting, and decision-making processes.
Secondly, the Commission will advocate for the development and implementation of inclusive policies. To achieve this, the Commission will conduct research, engage with stakeholders, and provide recommendations to ensure that policies are responsive to the diverse needs of all citizens.
Additionally, the NHRC will actively monitor the implementation of the Commitments 8 and 12 of NAP 3. By collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the Commission will develop monitoring frameworks, collect data, and assess the impact of initiatives aimed at enhancing civic participation and inclusion.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration and partnership, the Commission is committed to working closely with government agencies, civil society organizations, international partners, and other stakeholders to leverage resources, expertise, and knowledge for effective implementation.
By being a member of the OGP Steering Committee and co-chairing the Thematic Working Group on Civic Participation and Inclusion which is a significant obligation of Nigeria under the OGP, the NHRC emphasizes its dedication to upholding human rights principles, promoting transparency, and fostering an inclusive society in Nigeria. This commitment reinforces the Commission's pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives that facilitate open government practices and ensure that every citizen has a voice in shaping their future in line with international and national human rights instruments including the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (article 21), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (article 25), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’s Rights (articles 13 and 29) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (section 14(2)(c)).
As Nigeria moves forward in its Open Government Partnership journey, the NHRC pledges to use its mandate for the promotion and protection of human rights to advance civic participation and inclusion as foundations for a more transparent, accountable, and equitable governance system that guarantees all human rights and a peaceful, prosperous and just society.
