The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating torture and strengthening human rights protections across detention and law enforcement institutions, in line with national laws and international obligations.

Speaking at a sensitisation workshop organised for law enforcement agencies in Abuja, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. B.E. Jedy-Agba, stressed the need for urgent institutional reforms to eliminate torture and inhumane treatment in detention facilities nationwide.

“This gathering is not merely a formality; it is a testament to our collective resolve to build a more just, humane, and rights-respecting society,” she said, urging participants to use the workshop as an opportunity to deepen their understanding of anti-torture principles and Nigeria’s obligations under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT).

Jedy-Agba reminded participants that torture is a criminal offence under the Anti-Torture Act of 2017, which mandates state actors to prevent, investigate, and punish all acts of torture.

She emphasised that Nigeria has a legal obligation to comply with the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) and its Optional Protocol.

Referencing the September 2024 visit of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT), she noted that its preliminary findings highlighted poor detention conditions, lack of cooperation from authorities, and a general climate of hostility issues that require immediate corrective action.

She also emphasized the role of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), which operates under the National Human Rights Commission, in inspecting detention facilities, recommending improvements, and ensuring the safeguarding of detainees’ rights.

Addressing law enforcement agencies, she said, “You are the vanguards of this change. Let us see this sensitisation not as a burden, but as an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to excellence, uphold the rule of law, and foster a culture of respect for human rights.”

Jedy-Agba assured that the Ministry of Justice would continue to support efforts to align Nigeria’s justice system with both national legislation and international best practices.