The Nigerian government has received praise for its approval of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. The commendation came from Abiodun Baiyewu, the Executive Director of Global Rights, who emphasized that businesses have a responsibility to protect human rights because they deal with assets that belong to communities. Baiyewu expressed optimism that the effective operationalization of the Action Plan would outline the government’s Duty to Protect in the context of business operations and clearly define businesses’ responsibilities.
One of the key goals of the Action Plan is to ensure access to remedy for individuals or communities adversely affected by business operations in Nigeria, especially in the mining and minerals sector. Baiyewu stressed that businesses, despite their self-interest in profit, should not be indifferent to the protection of human rights.
In alignment with the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, the National Business and Human Rights Roundtable, in collaboration with Global Rights and the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, will organize the 2023 National Business and Human Rights Roundtable (NBHR2) in Lagos on August 17 and 18. The theme of this year’s event is “Giving Effect to the BHR National Action Plan in Nigeria,” building upon the success of the 2022 Roundtable.
The Joint Statement issued by the organizers highlights the aim of the 2023 National Business and Human Rights Roundtable, which is to facilitate a comprehensive understanding and effective implementation of Nigeria’s recently approved National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. Soji Apampa, the Founder/CEO of the Convention on Business Integrity (CBi) and Chair of the Steering Committee on the National Business and Human Rights Roundtable in Nigeria, stated that this year’s event aims to promote a shared understanding of the Action Plan among businesses, regulators, civil society organizations, business host communities, media, and other stakeholders. Moreover, it seeks to encourage collective perspectives on strategies for implementing the recently approved National Action Plan.
The 2023 National Business and Human Rights Roundtable will feature a series of presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. These activities have been carefully designed to foster dialogue, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions to challenges at the intersection of business and human rights. The event aims to foster collaboration, identify best practices, and develop a network of stakeholders committed to promoting responsible business practices and human rights.
The National Business and Human Rights Roundtable was established in 2013 through consultation with the convening entities, the organized private sector, the investment community in Nigeria, labor, security agencies, relevant government departments, and civil society.
By Olusola Akintonde
