The National Human Rights Commission has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional authorities, development partners and communities to tackle harmful cultural practices, promote women’s rights and strengthen child protection across Nigeria.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, said ending child marriage, promoting girl-child education and addressing violence, healthcare gaps, labour-related inequalities and other harmful practices affecting women and girls are critical to national development.
Ojukwu, who was represented by the Director of Women and Children at the Commission, Mrs. Ngozi Okorie, stressed that cultural reform must align with human rights principles, noting that no culture is superior to human dignity and fundamental rights.
According to him, Nigeria’s Constitution, the mandates of relevant institutions and the country’s international obligations provide a solid foundation for advancing women’s rights and child protection through policies and initiatives aimed at improving leadership, education, maternal health and the elimination of harmful traditional practices.
He said the Commission has continued to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, elders, women’s groups, community leaders and young people in dialogue-driven approaches that prioritise community ownership of reforms.
“A closer look at the regulation of harmful practices shows clearly that this is not an attack on culture. Rather, it is an effort to renew culture by strengthening the values of health, respect and human dignity—values that our ancestors themselves upheld,” he said.
Representing the Ford Foundation, Dr. Izeduwa Derex-Briggs said the organisation remained committed to supporting initiatives that protect Nigeria’s natural and cultural environment while encouraging reflection on long-standing cultural practices.
She noted that many practices have existed for generations and called for open conversations on whether such traditions still serve meaningful purposes and how they affect individuals and communities.
According to her, culture is dynamic and should remain open to reflection and renewal as society evolves.
The Federal Ministry of Justice, represented by Mrs. Tasha Roseline, reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening legal, policy and institutional frameworks that promote women’s rights, combat gender-based discrimination and improve access to justice for victims of violence and harassment.
The Ministry highlighted ongoing public enlightenment campaigns, legal aid and mediation services, community sensitisation programmes and strategic collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission and other stakeholders to promote awareness of human rights and gender equality.
It also reiterated government’s commitment to supporting women’s inclusion in decision-making processes, equal access to education and economic opportunities, and the elimination of harmful cultural practices limiting the potential of women and girls.
Speaking on the project overview titled “Empowering Traditional Rulers in Nigeria to Adopt and Implement Community Guidelines for Gender Equity and Non-Discrimination Against Women,” Mr. Chino Obiagwu, National Coordinator of the Legal Defence and Assistance Project and member of the NHRC Governing Council, underscored the importance of community-led approaches in advancing gender equity.
Also speaking, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, Executive Director of Women Aid Collective and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, delivered a presentation on harmful socio-cultural practices in Nigeria, focusing on trends, impacts and existing legal frameworks.
Participants at the engagement agreed that promoting women’s rights and protecting children are not only human rights issues but also essential for economic growth, social stability and national development.
The event featured plenary discussions, breakout sessions and presentations of group reports, with participation from traditional rulers, government agencies, ministries, religious leaders, faith-based organisations, academics, students and other stakeholders.
Stakeholders concluded the meeting with renewed commitments to strengthen collaboration, support community-based guidelines promoting respect and dignity, and ensure effective implementation of reforms at the grassroots level.
