By Vivian Emoni
Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing business and human rights amid economic and oil sector challenges.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Jideani noted that Nigeria’s business and human rights framework in 2025 showed cautious progress.
He added that the progress was evident in spite of challenges from economic reforms and oil sector divestments.
He highlighted that the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, approved in 2023 and integrated into Nigeria’s 2024–2028 Human Rights Action Plan, was anchored on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
He said that the initiative had been driven by Dr Anthony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Jideani acknowledged that implementation had faced challenges, including low public awareness, legacy oil pollution, judicial delays, inflation and rising fuel prices.
He said NHRC dashboards in 2025 indicated a 15 per cent rise in reported human rights violations, including a 12 per cent increase in employment-related complaints.
He said stakeholder engagements and dialogues during the year helped deepen awareness and encouraged voluntary business compliance.
“The NHRC and ACCI also established the African Continental Centre on Business and Human Rights to promote rights-based business practices.
“A national dialogue on business and human rights held in Abuja in May 2025 attracted more than 200 participants from government, the private sector and civil society.
“Sector-specific efforts focused on oil and gas, mining, agriculture, labour rights, gender inclusion and emerging digital risks,” Jideani said.
He added that post-divestment oil sector issues drew global attention, including UN calls for remediation of Niger Delta pollution.
He said that dispute resolution platforms were strengthened to provide accessible, efficient and affordable remedies for victims.
Jideani emphasised that Nigeria’s engagement at the 14th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights helped align national priorities with global crisis-response strategies.
He expressed optimism that stronger enforcement, private sector leadership and international partnerships would advance the country’s business and human rights commitments. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
