The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, has been elected President of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA).
His emergence followed the conclusion of the three-day Regional Consultation of the Network, which also marked the end of the tenure of his predecessor, Dr. Joseph Whittal of Ghana, who served as President for six years.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ojukwu pledged to strengthen cooperation among West African countries in promoting and protecting human rights. He outlined his vision for the Network, including capacity building for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to enable them to respond effectively to challenges related to governance, resources, and operations. He also announced plans to establish a sub-regional Situation Room and Data Centre to enhance monitoring, documentation, and reporting of human rights conditions across the sub-region.
Ojukwu reaffirmed his commitment to fostering partnerships with ECOWAS institutions, the United Nations, the media, and civil society organizations, emphasizing that his leadership would be anchored on respect and collaboration for the advancement of human rights in West Africa.
Other officials elected alongside Dr. Ojukwu include Amsatou Sow Sidibe of Senegal as Vice President, Charles Harris of Liberia as Treasurer, Serge Prince of Benin as General Secretary, Alkadri Diarra of Mali as Publicity Secretary I, Patricia Ndanema of Sierra Leone as Publicity Secretary II, and Fernanda Maria da Costa of Guinea-Bissau as Publicity Secretary III.
The Regional Consultation brought together delegates from 12 West African countries, representatives of the ECOWAS Commission, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in West Africa (OHCHR-WARO), and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). The meeting focused on advancing justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent, under the theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations: The Role of National Human Rights Institutions.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, commended the delegates for their commitment to reparatory justice, describing the theme as a significant step toward healing and shaping a more just future for the African continent.
During deliberations, participants advocated for the reinstatement of National Human Rights Institutions in countries currently under military rule, including Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea. Following the military takeovers and subsequent withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the meeting emphasized the need for continued human rights engagement in the region.
The delegates also discussed the importance of alternatives to detention, and urged ECOWAS to fast-track the adoption of the ECOWAS Transitional Justice Handbook to guide member states in addressing past injustices, fostering reconciliation, and promoting sustainable development.
At the end of the session, participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to protecting migrants’ rights, harmonizing national data systems on human rights violations, increasing advocacy on climate change, and supporting national governments in fulfilling their economic responsibilities. They also called on governments across the region to create enabling environments that promote decent work, alleviate poverty, and improve living conditions to address the root causes of economic migration.
