Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated Nigeria’s resolve to enhance and safeguard human rights via constitutional measures, integrating these rights into security operations.
He expressed the nation’s steadfast commitment to global cooperation and the universal enforcement of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) amidst various conflict scenarios.
Shettima articulated these views on Thursday in Abuja during his address at the commencement of the 2026 High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue.
He pointed out that the administration under President Bola Tinubu has embraced a holistic approach to combatting insecurity and conflicts, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.
"I wish to stress Nigeria’s relentless commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, alongside the effective enactment of International Humanitarian Law treaties," Shettima declared.
"Insecurity poses the greatest danger to peace and progress, and our administration prioritizes a robust strategy that integrates both kinetic and non-kinetic responses," he added.
The Vice President revealed that the government is continuously updating legal frameworks to address new security challenges.
He highlighted the recently domesticated African Union Kampala Convention, which establishes a legal framework for the protection and support of internally displaced persons in Nigeria.
Shettima acknowledged that Nigeria continues to face challenges like insurgency, terrorism, and various forms of violent conflict, which have significant social and institutional ramifications.
He emphasized that International Humanitarian Law is grounded in essential principles, such as the protection of civilians and the humane treatment of individuals affected by conflict while safeguarding human dignity.
According to him, Nigeria has undertaken proactive measures to implement IHL through ongoing military education, enhanced child protection systems, improved arms control protocols, and mechanisms for accountability relating to sexual violence.
"These initiatives underscore a fundamental truth: humanitarian law must be actively applied, not simply legislated," he noted.
Shettima praised collaborators, including the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, for their invaluable support in boosting Nigeria’s adherence to international humanitarian standards.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), earlier remarked on ongoing endeavors to domesticate humanitarian law treaties and reform the justice system.
He mentioned that new legislations and investments in correctional institutions aim to ensure humane treatment and compliance with global benchmarks.
Additionally, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, noted that the dialogue serves as an opportunity to strengthen the rule of law within Nigeria’s security framework.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the Geneva Convention and highlighted the necessity for enhanced adherence to international humanitarian principles.
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