VP Kashim Shettima Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment To Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law

VP Kashim Shettima Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and upholding International Humanitarian Law (IHL), aligning with the principles of Nigeria’s constitution and global legal standards. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday while declaring open the 2026 High‑Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue, the Vice President emphasised that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is fully committed to embedding human rights guarantees into Nigeria’s security architecture and ensuring the universal application of IHL in every theatre of conflict.
Shettima described insecurity as “the greatest threat to peace and development” and noted that the government has adopted a comprehensive strategy combining both kinetic and non‑kinetic measures to tackle violent conflict while safeguarding the rights and dignity of civilians. “I wish to emphasise Nigeria’s unwavering determination to promote and protect human rights, while ensuring the effective implementation of International Humanitarian Law treaties,” he said, stressing that the Constitutional guarantees of human rights remain central to national stability and justice.Highlighting recent policy developments, the Vice President pointed to President Tinubu’s recent assent to the domestication of the African Union Kampala Convention, a move aimed at strengthening legal protections for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and providing a context‑specific framework for their assistance and protection. Shettima noted that the dialogue was convened at a defining time for global humanitarian norms, as evolving conflict environments continue to stretch legal protections and moral obligations. He underscored that IHL’s core principles protection of civilians, humane treatment of persons affected by conflict, and preservation of human dignity are non‑negotiable tenets that Nigeria actively champions. The Vice President also outlined steps being taken to operationalise humanitarian law, including enhanced military training on IHL principles, strengthened child protection mechanisms, improved arms control measures, and accountability frameworks for addressing sexual and gender‑based violence. Shettima commended development partners, including the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, for their continued technical collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s compliance with international humanitarian standards. Also addressing the gathering, Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), highlighted ongoing reforms to domesticate international treaties and strengthen Nigeria’s justice system, while investments in correctional facilities aim to ensure humane treatment and rehabilitation‑focused standards.