AGOA can be a viable tool to improve labour law and human rights, like creating public awareness at the organisational and individual levels
By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
A human rights and advocacy organisation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Wednesday presented its latest Report on “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Nigeria: The Human and Labour Rights Index Perspective” in Hotel Lagos.
The event which was organized with support from FREEDOM HOUSE, brought together key ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), civil society organizations, the private sector, members of the diplomatic community, human rights defenders, activists, and other stakeholders.
The discussion was focused on the latest findings of the report and proposed a plan of action on how to address the issues raised and documented in the Report.
The report tagged “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Nigeria through African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA): The Human and Labour Rights Index Perspective” was presented by a Lead Research Consultant, Mr Leonard Ugbajah. He defined AGOA as an act by Africa in conjunction with America
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In presenting the report, Mr Ugbajah stressed the importance of understanding the trade and human rights nexus, adding that the two systems operated separately under international systems.
He dwelt on the eligibility criteria and review mechanism under AGOA, adding that though the US is not a major export destination for Nigeria, we still need them because of foreign exchange earnings.
“Our export to the US is small but we still have to keep the trade relationship because we need them more than they need us.”
Speaking on human rights, the Report noted some human rights violations and occurring human rights abuses which include abuses by security agencies of the government, lack of accountability for abuses of power by security agencies, long detentions and trials, and poor detention centres amongst others.
He said that AGOA can be a viable tool to improve labour law and human rights, like creating public awareness at the organisational and individual levels. AGOA can also be used to exert pressure.
Another way to mount pressure is by putting the right people in government, he said, adding that: “with your PVC, you can vote for the right people.”
The ultimate aim of the report is to use the recommendations contained therein to engage public institutions, authorities including MDAs, the National Assembly, and state governments, as well as to encourage the citizens and civil society to participate in effective advocacy for improved respect for human and labour rights in Nigeria.
During an interactive session after the presentation of the report, there was a question as to whether as citizens, Nigerians have a role to play in strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria. The responses from the participants showed that every Nigerian has a role in one way or the other to play in strengthening the rule of law.
On the question of how citizens can ensure improved respect for human and labour rights in Nigeria, participants proffered various ways such as respecting Labour Unions, Advocacy, Leading by example by our leaders and those in authority, obeying court orders, enforcing existing laws and reporting human and labour rights abuses to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) amongst others.
Also contributing, a representative of Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN) the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission while appreciating the robust relationship existing between the Commission and SERAP said that NHRC does a lot in ensuring that the rights of Nigerians are protected.
“NHRC sensitize, promote, protect and enforce. In promotion, we do enlighten the public. Majorly, the Commission takes complaints, protects the complainant and investigates the complaints made.
“Anybody who worked in our office would be attended to free of charge. We do not collect money from people who come to lodge their complaints.
“We don’t collect money from anybody to pursue complaints. We do our job dutifully and diligently.”
Present at the event were Senior Program Officer, Freedom House Diane Furstena, representative of NHRC, representatives of National Industrial Court, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NACCIMA, NBA Ikeja branch, All Farmers Association, Civil Society Organisations and the Media.
