The consultative meeting, organized by the National Human Rights Commission, was held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Community and Social Development Agency Hall.

The National Action Plan represents Nigeria’s second national human rights framework developed in line with the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, Austria. The framework seeks to promote and protect human rights while aligning with constitutional, regional, and international human rights obligations.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Kiyenpiya Mafuyai, State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, said the new five-year action plan was developed after identifying gaps in the previous 2009 framework.

According to her, the Commission spent nearly a decade engaging ministries, departments, agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners to produce a more comprehensive and actionable framework capable of addressing emerging human rights concerns.

She explained that the plan covers civil and political rights such as the right to life, freedom of expression and movement, as well as economic, social, and collective rights including access to health, education, peace, and a healthy environment.

Dr. Mafuyai noted that the framework also prioritizes vulnerable groups including women, children, internally displaced persons, and persons living with disabilities.

“The Human Rights Commission can only monitor implementation, but ministries, departments, agencies, the media, and civil society organizations are critical in ensuring citizens enjoy their rights,” she said.

She further explained that the document clearly assigns responsibilities to relevant institutions, using sectors such as health and education as examples where lead agencies would be identified and monitored through measurable performance indicators.

Using education as an example, Dr. Mafuyai said the framework could measure implementation through the establishment of human rights clubs in schools across the country within the five-year cycle.

On public understanding of human rights, she emphasized that rights are not privileges but legal entitlements guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and international treaties.

She urged citizens to report rights violations to the National Human Rights Commission, assuring that its services remain free and accessible across state capitals nationwide.

Also speaking, Samuel Davou, Chief Administrative Officer in the Office of the Head of Civil Service, Plateau State, described the meeting as an opportunity to study and domesticate the National Action Plan at the state level.

He said the Office of the Head of Service would work to ensure the provisions of the NAP are implemented across ministries, departments, and agencies in Plateau State.

Executive Director of Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse, Jacob Choji Pwakim, said the initiative signaled Nigeria’s growing commitment toward coordinated human rights protection.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between government and civil society actors, noting that isolated interventions would not adequately address human rights challenges.

Pwakim, however, cautioned that previous national action plans had suffered poor implementation due to lack of budgetary allocation and weak accountability mechanisms.

“We want to see what lessons are being learned from the previous NAP and what will be done differently in this current one,” he stated.

Director of News and Current Affairs at the Plateau Radio Television Corporation, John Shailong, said the framework was particularly relevant in addressing workplace ethics and protecting professional rights.

He expressed optimism that with the right enabling environment, the policy would be effectively implemented.

Also contributing, Taddy Chollom, Chief Investigation Officer with the National Human Rights Commission, highlighted the role of civil society organizations in ensuring accountability and influencing human rights-compliant legislation.

He said the consultative process was designed to enable stakeholders to collectively monitor and strengthen the protection and promotion of citizens’ rights in Plateau State.

Chollom added that civil society organizations have continued to serve as the “voice of the voiceless” by shaping governance processes and holding institutions accountable.

The event concluded with further deliberations on the roles of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as civil society organizations (CSOs), in the implementation of the National Action Plan going forward. Desk officers and representatives from various institutions engaged in general discussions focused on implementation strategies, coordination mechanisms, accountability measures, and the way forward for effective human rights protection and promotion in Plateau State and across Nigeria.

Oreofe, a student of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, clinched the continental title in Harare after outperforming contestants from over 20 African countries.

According to a statement issued Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, the victory earned the young champion a $5,000 educational scholarship.

President Tinubu described the achievement as a strong testament to the value of investment in education, literacy, and youth development.

“I firmly believe that this accomplishment not only brings honour to Nigeria on the continental stage but also inspires millions of young Nigerians to strive for academic excellence and personal growth,” the President said.

He added that his administration would continue to strengthen the education sector by creating opportunities for Nigerian youths to thrive and compete globally.

Tinubu also commended Oreofe’s parents, teachers, and mentors for their guidance and support, noting that her latest success builds on a consistent record of excellence.

Prior to her continental triumph, Oreofe placed fifth at the 2025 African Spelling Bee, second at the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee, and was runner-up at both the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee and the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee.

The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting young talents, while the Ekiti State Government has reportedly awarded Oreofe financial incentives and pledged to sponsor her, alongside her mother and coach, to represent Africa at the upcoming World Spelling Bee in China.