The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has rejected a proposed Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill. He argued that Nigeria already has sufficient human rights laws that protect rights defenders.

Fagbemi, represented by the Chief of State Counsel, Reuben Imarha, at a one-day public hearing on the proposed legislation, insisted that it will create institutional overlap, despite advocates saying it is critical to strengthening democratic accountability.

At the heart of the debate is the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, a proposed legislation designed to protect journalists, lawyers, civil society actors, whistleblowers and citizens, who peacefully advocate for constitutional rights.

The Minister of Justice overtly expressed strong opposition against the bill, asserting that he does not support the proposed law.

The minister argued that instead of formulating a new human rights defenders law, lawmakers should strengthen the implementation mechanisms of existing laws.

However, civil society groups strongly disagreed with the argument of the Justice Minister. They asserted that the bill is a landmark initiative in promoting accountability and improving human rights in Nigeria.

On a related bill, seeking to repeal and re-enact the National Human Rights Commission Act, Fagbemi expressed support but raised objections to some provisions, including a proposal requiring certain companies to contribute 0.3% of their annual profits to fund human rights cases.

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission defended the proposed amendments.

Another key concern flagged by the ministry, is a clause requiring businesses to obtain annual human rights compliance certificates, a provision, he said, could undermine ease of doing business.