National Human Rights Commission Act

[CONSOLIDATE WITH THE 2011 AMENDMENT]

Arrangement of Sections

PART I Establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, etc.

1. Establishment of the National Human Rights Commission.

2. Governing Council of the Commission.

3. Tenure of office, etc.

4. Cessation of membership.

PART II Functions and powers

5. Functions of the Commission.

6. Powers of the Commission.

PART III Staff

7. Executive secretary of the Commission.

8. Other staff of the Commission, etc.

9. Staff regulations.

10. Conditions of service.

11. Pensions.

PART IV Financial provisions

12. Fund of the Commission.

13. Power to accept gifts.

14. Borrowing power, etc.

15. Annual estimates, accounts and audit.

16. Annual reports.

PART V Miscellaneous

17. Power of the Attorney-General of the Federation to give directives.

18. Regulations.

19. Interpretations.

20. Short title.

Schedule

Supplementary provisions relating to the Council, etc.

An Act to establish the National Human Rights Commission, for the protection of human rights, dignity and freedoms.

[Commencement.] [27th September, 1995]

PREAMBLE

Whereas considering that the United Nations Charter and several provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 are based on the principles of the dignity and equality of all human beings and seek, among other basic objectives, the promotion and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion:

And whereas to facilitate Nigeria's implementation of its various treaty obligations, including, but not limited to, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights:

And whereas the Federal Government is desirous of creating an enabling environment for extra-judicial recognition, promotion and enforcement of all rights recognised and enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and under other laws of the land:

And whereas in furtherance of the above objectives and in its determination to provide a forum for public enlightenment and dialogue on and to limit controversy and confrontation over allegations of human rights violation by public officers and agencies and to reaffirm the sacred and inviolable nature of human and other fundamental rights.