NHRC | National Human Rights Commission

The mandate of the NHRC is set out under its functions in section 5 of the enabling Act which, provides that the Commission shall:

1. Deal with all matters relating to the protection of human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the African Charter, the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other international treaties on human rights to which Nigeria is a signatory; 
2. Monitor and investigate all alleged cases of human rights violation in Nigeria and make appropriate recommendations to the Federal Government for the prosecution and such other actions as it may deem expedient in each circumstance;
3. Assist victims of human rights violations and seek appropriate redress and remedies on their behalf;
4. Undertake studies on all matters relating to human rights and assist the Federal Government in the formulation of appropriate policies on the guarantee of human rights; 
5. Publish regularly reports on the state of human rights protection in Nigeria; 
6. Organise local and international seminars, workshops and conferences on human rights issues for public enlightenment; 
7. Liaise and cooperate with local and international organisations on human rights for the purpose of advancing the promotion and protection of human rights; 
8. Participate in all international activities relating to the promotion and protection of human rights; 
9. Maintain a library, collect data and disseminate information and materials on human rights generally; and 
10. Carry out all such other functions as are necessary or expedient for the performance of these functions under the Act. 

POWERS OF THE COMMISSION

The Commission shall have power to – 

• do all things which by this Act or any other enactment are required or permitted to be done by the Commission; and
• do such other things as are necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions under this Act