High-level Nigerian Government Delegation meets with DCAF and the Swiss Government to Discuss Advancing Respect by Businesses for Security and Human Rights

Left to right: DCAF Programme Managers Anna Marie Burdzy and Antoine Perret; Frédéric Chenais of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Nasir Amin of the Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DCAF Director Ambassador Thomas Guerber; Ms. Moradeke Adenakan of the Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Thompson Oyemade of the Nigeria Ministry of Justice, Geneva, 18 March 2022, Photo: DCAF.

On Friday 18 March, DCAF was most honoured to host the Nigerian delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice to discuss implementation of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs). The meeting was also supported by Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

In this first meeting between DCAF and government focal points focusing on security and human rights, the Nigerian delegation described the inter-ministerial process that the Nigerian government is pursuing to consider whether to apply to become an engaged government member of the Voluntary Principles Initiative. This dossier is currently with the Nigeria Federal Executive Council and a decision is expected in the coming months. For its part, DCAF highlighted its projects that have sought to strengthen the respect for human rights by the extractive industry in Nigeria. DCAF offered further collaboration with the Nigerian government in light of its experience providing technical advice to the DRC government on their process of applying to become an engaged government member. The Nigerian delegation and DCAF agreed to continue the exchange on VPs implementation going forward.

Background to the project: DCAF has been supporting implementation of good practices in business, security and human rights in Nigeria since 2018 by partnering with local NGOs PRAWA, LITE-Africa and AFRI-LAW. DCAF’s support has included supporting the development of policy research, practical guidance and tools, national advisory support to regulatory authorities, capacity building of civil society organisations, and awareness raising of international initiatives. From 21-25 March 2022, DCAF undertook a mission to Nigeria to support local partners and build capacities of Nigerian stakeholders to promote implementation of and compliance with the VPs on the level of the Nigeria VPs Working Group.

Share with Colleague Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share on X

Voluntary Principles Implementation Meetings in Nigeria Engage Community Members, Government Ministries, and the Nigeria National Human Rights Commission

Pilot Trainings Address the Role of Police in Preventing the Worst Forms of Child Labour