Nigeria committed to protecting human rights, Shettima says at humanitarian law dialogue
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, saying the Federal Government is strengthening legal frameworks and embedding humanitarian principles into security operations to address insecurity and conflict.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja while declaring open the 2026 High-Level International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Dialogue, Shettima said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is pursuing a comprehensive strategy that combines both military and non-military approaches to tackle security challenges.
He stressed that Nigeria remains committed to international cooperation and the application of humanitarian law in conflict situations.
Shettima described insecurity as the greatest threat to peace and development, noting that the government is prioritising responses that address both the immediate and underlying causes of violent conflicts.
He also highlighted recent legal developments, including the domestication of the African Union Kampala Convention, which provides a framework for the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.
According to the Vice President, Nigeria’s humanitarian law efforts are built on three key pillars: the protection of civilians, humane treatment of persons affected by conflict, and preservation of human dignity even in difficult circumstances.
He said the government has adopted proactive measures such as enhanced military training on humanitarian law, strengthened child protection systems, improved accountability mechanisms for sexual violence, better arms control, and expanded frameworks for managing displacement.
Shettima emphasised the importance of partnerships with civil society groups and international organisations to ensure humanitarian law is effectively implemented.
