According to NHRC the award was established to encourage Federal government agencies, state governments and civil society organizations and individuals who have done well to protect Human Rights in Nigeria and also to continue to advance the protection and promotion of human rights in the country.

While to unveiling the procedure for nominations and voting for the awards at a press briefing in Abuja,the Executive Secretary,National Human Rights Commission , Bar.Tony Ojukwu disclosed that the briefing was to intimate Nigerians of the arrangement for the selection of deserving Nigerians and agencies and Institutions.

He recalled that the journey started in 2019 and since then, ”we have recognized icons in our midst that play significant role in the realization, promotion and enjoyment of human rights in our country.” He said.

Explaining the rationale behind the award in the face of daunting human rights challenges in the country, Ojukwu stated that the awards were in realization of the fact that the human rights situation in the country despite the daunting challenges can maintain a steady improvement if individuals and organizations are encouraged to do more by appreciation their efforts in advancing the course of human rights in the country.

The Chief Human Rights Officer stated that the awards are in three categories, namely; federal government agencies, state governments and civil society organizations.

He then called on Nigerians to select from list of nominations through voting for their preferred choices. He also listed the indicators for selection deserving MDAs for the award. The commission clarified that social media platforms will be used by experts to request members of the public to vote for deserving candidates.

”Voting will be done online and will comment on 12th November 2021 and ends on 22nd November, 2021.

“The winners from the results of the votes cast by the public will receive their awards on 10th December explaining that a special website domain for public voting and the online voting is a demonstration of the commission’s commitment to public particular and transparency in the whole exercise. The designated website domain address is; www.nhrcawards.ng.” the commission stated.