The Nigerian government has reiterated the country’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding human rights, emphasising that these rights are enshrined in the Constitution and integrated into national security operations.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of the 2026 High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue, themed “Complementarity: Threshold and Outcomes,” VP Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s dedication to upholding International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in all conflict settings.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has implemented a comprehensive strategy to address insecurity and conflicts, combining both military and non-military measures.
“I wish to emphasise Nigeria’s unwavering determination to promote and protect human rights, while ensuring the effective implementation of International Humanitarian Law treaties. His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, recognises that insecurity remains the greatest threat to peace and development,” he stated.
“Consequently, our government prioritises a holistic approach that integrates both kinetic and non-kinetic interventions,” he added, noting that legal frameworks continue to evolve in response to emerging challenges.
VP Shettima recalled that President Tinubu recently signed the domestication of the African Union Kampala Convention, creating “a robust and context-specific legal framework for the protection and assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria.”
He observed that the dialogue comes at a critical time when Nigeria’s “shared humanity is under immense strain, and when the very laws meant to uphold order are too often treated as expendable inconveniences.”
“These challenges have not spared Nigeria, as the nation continues to confront persistent insurgency, terrorism, and other violent conflicts,” he said.
“Beyond the immediate impact, we also contend with the long-term pressures these crises place on communities and institutions. It is precisely these experiences that reinforce Nigeria’s resolve to lead in championing international humanitarian principles,” VP Shettima added.
He further noted that while the dialogue aims “to reinforce the enduring principles that govern the conduct of armed conflict, particularly the imperative of limiting harm in contemporary warfare,” it also serves as an opportunity to reflect and return to the moral centre of International Humanitarian Law.
VP Shettima explained that IHL provides crucial protection for human life in vulnerable situations, and outlined three core pillars: “the protection of civilian populations, the humane treatment of all persons affected by conflict, and the preservation of human dignity even in the most difficult circumstances.”
He said Nigeria has adopted a proactive approach to IHL implementation “through sustained military training, strengthened child protection protocols, the integration of IHL into academic curricula, accountability mechanisms for sexual violence, improved arms control systems, and comprehensive displacement frameworks.”
“These measures underscore a simple truth: humanitarian law must be practised, not merely codified. Progress depends on strong partnerships across government, civil society, and international organisations to ensure IHL is applied in practice,” he said.
VP Shettima praised the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC, and other Nigerian development partners for their “continued collaboration and technical support in advancing the implementation of International Humanitarian Law.”
Earlier, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, highlighted government efforts to domesticate humanitarian law treaties and reform Nigeria’s justice system. He noted that new legislation and investment in correctional facilities are designed to promote humane treatment, rehabilitation, and compliance with international human rights standards.
Fagbemi added that Nigeria is enhancing the capacity of its military and law enforcement agencies by integrating IHL principles into training and operations. He also highlighted initiatives to translate these laws into local languages to ensure accessibility in conflict-affected areas.
In her welcome address, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, stressed that the dialogue enables the judiciary to reinforce the rule of law within the nation’s security framework.
She added: “We are reminded that our work is a vital checkpoint in embedding the rule of law into national security. International Humanitarian Law has never been more crucial, as we witness increased disregard for civilian protection in modern conflicts.
“Nigeria recognises that as conflict dynamics evolve, especially in asymmetric environments, political will must drive compliance from negotiation tables in Geneva to frontline operations,” she said.
