The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has inaugurated the National Human Rights Commission–Nigeria Police Force (NHRC–NPF) Liaison Framework, describing it as a landmark initiative that will strengthen institutional cooperation, promote accountability, and improve respect for human rights within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Speaking at the formal inauguration held on Wednesday at the National Human Rights Commission headquarters in Abuja, Fagbemi said the framework reflects the federal government’s commitment to deepening justice sector reforms through collaboration between key public institutions.
He commended the leadership of the NHRC and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for establishing the mechanism, noting that sustainable reforms in the criminal justice system can only be achieved through institutional partnerships rather than isolated efforts.
According to the AGF, the framework provides a structured platform for cooperation between the two institutions, whose constitutional responsibilities converge in promoting justice, protecting human dignity, and maintaining public order.
Fagbemi acknowledged that while both the NHRC and the Police were established to protect citizens’ rights, a significant proportion of complaints received by the Commission relate to alleged violations by law enforcement agencies.
To strengthen the rule of law and improve access to justice, he said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu invested in judicial infrastructure, appointments to fill vacancies on the bench, improved remuneration and welfare for judicial officers, and enhanced support for security institutions.
According to the AGF, the newly inaugurated NHRC–NPF Liaison Framework would facilitate stronger communication between the Commission and the Police, promote prompt resolution of complaints, improve oversight of detention facilities, and encourage coordinated responses to systemic human rights challenges.
He noted that the designation of focal officers at both national and operational levels would institutionalize cooperation and move engagement beyond informal interactions.
Fagbemi also stressed the importance of preventive measures in justice sector reforms, arguing that institutions become stronger by preventing rights violations through continuous dialogue, training, oversight, and cooperation, rather than merely responding after abuses occur.
He said successful implementation of the framework would require clear responsibilities, effective coordination, regular monitoring, and sustained commitment from all participating institutions.
Reaffirming the Federal Ministry of Justice’s support, the Attorney-General said the ministry would continue to encourage collaboration among law enforcement agencies, oversight bodies, prosecutors, the judiciary, legal aid institutions, and civil society in addressing challenges within the criminal justice system.
Fagbemi urged all designated focal officers under the framework to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, and dedication to public service, adding that the initiative’s success would ultimately depend on faithful implementation rather than the inauguration ceremony itself.
He congratulated the leadership of both the NHRC and the NPF, as well as other stakeholders whose efforts made the initiative possible, urging them to remain committed to its successful implementation in the interest of justice, the rule of law, and the protection of the rights and freedoms of all persons.
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