The Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating torture in Nigeria. Speaking at a three-day training session focused on Medico-Legal documentation and the rehabilitation of torture victims in Abuja, Jedy-Agba, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, outlined the government’s commitment to eradicating this egregious practice.
During her address on Monday, Jedy-Agba highlighted the Ministry of Justice’s collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies, Civil Society Organisations, and international bodies to achieve this important goal. Nigeria’s intent goes beyond fulfilling international obligations; the country plans to review existing anti-torture legislation and establish measures to prevent torture in law enforcement and detention facilities.
As the lead anti-torture agency, the Ministry of Justice will collaborate closely with stakeholders and development partners to put an end to torture within the nation. Jedy-Agba emphasised the government’s responsibility to ensure restitution and rehabilitation for torture victims, hinting at potential reforms in line with the anti-torture framework.
The Solicitor-General reaffirmed the fundamental principles governing the treatment of prisoners, which demand that all detainees be treated with dignity and respect as human beings. These principles are enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, which explicitly forbids cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment of individuals.
Jedy-Agba pointed out that Nigeria is a signatory to several international treaties and conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Convention against Torture. These agreements guarantee the human rights of all citizens, including those in detention.
The Nigerian Federal Government has ratified the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT) and passed the Anti-Torture Act, which criminalises acts of torture by public officials, in keeping with its commitment to ending torture. Additionally, the government established the National Committee Against Torture (CATNigeria) and the National Preventive Mechanism to align with the provisions of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
Jedy-Agba called upon stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to unite in condemning torture and supporting those who have suffered at the hands of perpetrators. She emphasised that this collective effort is essential to building a more humane society for all Nigerians.
The Solicitor-General stressed the importance of ongoing capacity building and the utilisation of modern tools such as information and communication technology (ICT) to identify and address incidents of torture effectively. This training event was organised by Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Actions, UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, Independent Forensic Expert Group, and the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims.
