NHRC-NPF Liaison Framework: A New Era for Human Rights, Police Accountability and Criminal Justice Reform

NHRC-NPF Liaison Framework: A New Era for Human Rights, Police Accountability and Criminal Justice Reform

By Raphael Ekpang

The formal inauguration of the National Human Rights Commission–Nigeria Police Force (NHRC-NPF) Joint Implementation and Liaison Framework marks one of the most significant institutional reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system in recent years. More than a ceremonial event, the framework represents a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between law enforcement and human rights protection through structured collaboration rather than confrontation.

For decades, the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the National Human Rights Commission has largely revolved around investigating complaints of rights violations after they occur. The new framework shifts that paradigm by creating a preventive, coordinated, and institutional mechanism aimed at ensuring that policing and human rights protection work hand in hand.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the administration of justice while ensuring that law enforcement remains firmly rooted in the rule of law.

According to him, effective policing and respect for human rights are complementary responsibilities rather than competing objectives. He noted that although government established both the Police and the National Human Rights Commission to protect citizens, a significant number of complaints received by the Commission originate from law enforcement activities, making stronger institutional collaboration imperative.

The Attorney-General stressed that the success of criminal justice reforms depends not only on legislation such as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the Anti-Torture Act 2017, and the Police Act 2020, but also on faithful implementation by relevant institutions. The framework, he said, provides a structured platform to improve communication, facilitate the timely resolution of complaints, strengthen detention oversight, and enhance accountability within policing.

The initiative also aligns with the broader justice sector reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration, which include increased investment in the judiciary, improved welfare for judicial officers, and enhanced support for security institutions. Fagbemi referenced the recent approval of a 30 to 80 per cent salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces as part of government’s wider strategy to strengthen institutions responsible for protecting lives and fundamental rights.

Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), described the framework as a landmark institutional partnership built on mutual respect and shared constitutional responsibilities.

According to him, the framework is not designed to witch-hunt the Police but to provide operational guidance, strengthen professional capacity, and promote rights-based policing across the country.

He explained that the framework establishes permanent channels of cooperation in critical areas, including compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and state criminal justice laws, prevention of torture, monitoring of police detention facilities, protection of vulnerable groups, complaint resolution, legal access for suspects, continuous training of police officers, and policy dialogue on emerging human rights concerns.

One of its most innovative features is the appointment of designated focal persons at the national and state levels. These officers will serve as direct liaison points between the NHRC and the Nigeria Police Force, ensuring faster communication, coordinated interventions, and prompt responses to human rights concerns before they escalate into major disputes.

Chairman of the Police Service Commission who was represented at the event by aIG Sulaiman Balaribe also endorsed the framework, describing it as a timely initiative that would strengthen accountability, professionalism, and public confidence in policing while supporting ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.

Similarly, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), commended the National Human Rights Commission for fostering stronger institutional collaboration.

According to the IGP, modern policing cannot succeed without recognising and protecting human rights. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the framework, noting that professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights remain central to contemporary policing.

The Director General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria  who also was represented at the event commended the NHRC and the NPF for healthy institutional collaboration, while hammering on the implementation.

Beyond improving relations between the Police and the NHRC, the framework has wider implications for Nigeria’s justice sector. It provides a coordinated approach to implementing existing laws, reducing cases of arbitrary arrests, torture, unlawful detention, and abuse of power while promoting transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.

The framework also promises to improve public trust in the Police by ensuring that complaints are handled more efficiently, detention facilities receive regular oversight, and officers receive continuous human rights training. For citizens, it offers greater assurance that allegations of rights violations will receive prompt attention through an institutional mechanism backed by both agencies.

Importantly, the initiative reflects international best practices, recognising that sustainable police reform is achieved through collaboration, preventive oversight, and continuous engagement rather than reactive interventions alone.

If fully implemented, the NHRC-NPF Liaison Framework could become a model for institutional cooperation within Nigeria’s justice sector. Its success, however, will depend on sustained political will, adequate resources, regular monitoring, and the commitment of both institutions to faithfully discharge their responsibilities.

Ultimately, the framework represents more than an agreement between two public institutions. It is a renewed commitment to building a policing system that protects public safety while upholding the constitutional rights and dignity of every Nigerian. By placing human rights at the centre of law enforcement, the NHRC and the Nigeria Police Force have taken an important step toward a more accountable, professional, and citizen-focused criminal justice system.