VP Shettima: Nigeria Resolute on Human Rights, Humanitarian Law

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights while ensuring strict adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) across all conflict zones in the country.

Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the 2026 High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue in Abuja, Shettima emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has adopted a comprehensive approach to insecurity, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to safeguard civilians and restore peace.

“I wish to emphasize Nigeria’s unwavering determination to promote and protect human rights, while ensuring the effective implementation of International Humanitarian Law treaties,” Shettima said, noting that insecurity remains a major threat to peace and development in Nigeria. He highlighted recent legal advancements, including the domestication of the African Union Kampala Convention, which establishes a framework for protecting and assisting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.

The Vice President stressed that the dialogue comes at a critical time when global conflicts have strained shared humanity and challenged adherence to laws designed to protect civilians. Nigeria continues to confront insurgency, terrorism, and violent conflicts, with significant long-term impacts on communities and institutions.

READ ALSO: Post-UK Visit, Tinubu Returns To Abuja Amid Key Political Engagements

Shettima outlined three non-negotiable pillars guiding Nigeria’s approach to IHL: protection of civilian populations, humane treatment of all persons affected by conflict, and preservation of human dignity in all circumstances. He added that the government has embedded these principles into military training, child protection protocols, accountability mechanisms for sexual violence, arms control systems, and comprehensive displacement frameworks.

“These efforts reflect a simple but powerful truth: humanitarian law must be lived, not merely legislated,” Shettima said, noting that success depends on strong partnerships across government, civil society, and international stakeholders. He commended the United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC for their technical support in strengthening Nigeria’s IHL compliance.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), highlighted efforts to domesticate humanitarian treaties and reform the justice system, including investments in correctional facilities and embedding IHL principles into military and law enforcement training. Meanwhile, Solicitor General Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba emphasized the dialogue’s role in reinforcing the rule of law within Nigeria’s security architecture and aligning national practices with the Geneva Conventions.

The event drew participation from key international organizations and stakeholders, reflecting Nigeria’s resolve to ensure that human rights protections and humanitarian law are central to national and regional conflict management strategies.