NHRC Trains Officers To Tackle Rights Violations, Strengthen Investigations

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at equipping its investigation and legal officers with the skills needed to effectively handle complaints bordering on economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) violations across the country.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop yesterday in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, said the training was designed to deepen staff’s competence in managing cases involving critical rights such as housing, healthcare, education, labour, food, water, and sanitation.

The Executive Secretary noted that addressing violations in these areas requires structured, well-coordinated interventions, anchored in strong conceptual development and professional report-writing skills.

According to the Commission, the workshop is part of broader efforts to reposition its Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Department following recent internal restructuring that expanded staff responsibilities and operational scope.

“To meet the demands of our evolving mandate, our capacity must keep pace. This training is one step in that direction,” the representative stated.

He further disclosed that approval has been granted for a comprehensive 10-month structured training programme aimed at strengthening staff capacity to investigate and resolve ESCR-related complaints.

The initiative, he said, aligns with the Commission’s statutory mandate under the NHRC Act of 1995 (as amended), which empowers it to organise workshops, seminars and conferences to promote and protect human rights in Nigeria.

“Permit me, Mr President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my profound gratitude to the PDP for availing me the opportunity to serve the nation and humanity,” he said.

“I am grateful and wish the party well in the future if it is able to resolve its challenges.”