FCT CJ urges lawyers to adopt meticulous processes for rights litigation

The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, has stressed the importance of meticulous planning and a deep understanding of legal frameworks for the success of strategic litigation in advancing human rights.

Speaking at the National Town Hall Meeting on “Strategic Litigation in Advancing Human Rights in Nigeria,” held in Abuja to commemorate International Human Rights Day, Justice Baba-Yusuf highlighted the judiciary’s pivotal role in fostering justice and social equity.

“This approach ensures the observance of constitutional rights, benefits, and privileges for individuals or groups, delivering social justice and obtaining judicial remedies for victims of human rights violations,” he said.

Justice Baba-Yusuf lauded the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for organising the event, noting its significance in promoting the rule of law and human rights.

The NHRC used the occasion to renew its call for a constitutional review to address the non-justiciability of Chapter II of the Nigerian Constitution, which encompasses socio-economic rights such as education, healthcare, housing, and work.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, represented by Jideani Agabaidu, the Director General of the Abuja Council of Chambers and Industries and a council member of the NHRC, reflected on the achievements and challenges since the adoption of the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure (FREP) Rules 15 years ago.

While these rules were designed to improve access to justice, Dr. Ojukwu noted that systemic barriers persist.

“Strategic litigation transcends individual cases; it is a formidable tool for societal transformation, addressing systemic injustices and inspiring legislative reforms,” Ojukwu said, urging stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s human rights framework and enhance access to justice.

In her keynote address, NHRC Chairperson Dr. Salimatu Suleiman reiterated the need for constitutional amendments to make socio-economic rights enforceable in Nigerian courts.

“The non-justiciability of Chapter II imposes significant obstacles for individuals seeking redress, undermining our international commitments and eroding public trust,” she said.

Dr. Suleiman also advocated for the domestication of the African Commission Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to provide individuals direct access to the African Commission for redress.

The event, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Ford Foundation, brought together judges, lawyers, government officials, and civil society leaders to discuss actionable steps for addressing systemic human rights violations in Nigeria.