Conference on Human Rights and Rule of Law in Nigeria

Date: 19 & 20 November 2025

Format: Virtual

The Human Rights Institute (HRI) of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is pleased to announce a two-day virtual conference on Human Rights and Rule of Law in Nigeria. The conference will bring together scholars, legal practitioners, policymakers, civil society, and law enforcement agencies to critically examine progress on human rights and rule of law, and to chart a path forward for safeguarding dignity and securing justice.

Call for Abstracts

The HRI invites submission of abstracts from academics, researchers, legal professionals, and other civil society actors. Abstracts should be no more than 250 words addressing topics of practical relevance to the conference theme and should be accompanied with a Curriculum Vitae. The following suggested topics are non-exhaustive and modifiable:

1. Judicial Independence in Nigeria
2. Human Rights in Law Enforcement
3. Legal Reform for Effective Human Rights Protection
4. Federalism and Human Rights: Navigating Jurisdictional Challenges
5. Accountability for Human Rights Violations in Insurgency and Counter-Insurgency Activities
6. Tackling Prolonged Pre-Trial Detention, Prison Congestion, and Awaiting-Trial Persons
7. Examining the Implementation of the Right to Education
8. Examining the Implementation of the Right to Health
9. Examining the Implementation of the Right to Housing
10. Human Rights in the Digital Space: Balancing National Security with Free Speech
11. Human Rights in the Digital Space: Balancing National Security with Privacy
12. Protecting the Vulnerable and Marginalised Groups
13. Women’s Rights and the Rule of Law: Implementation of Gender Equality Norms in Nigeria
14. Human Rights and Business
15. The Human Rights Impact of Systemic Corruption
16. The Protection of Human Rights by the Judiciary
17. The Protection of Human Rights by the National Human Rights Commission
18. Human Rights and Legal Aid
19. Human Rights and Traditional Justice Systems
20. Civil Society and Human Rights
21. Civil Society and the Rule of Law
22. The Impact of Human Rights Treaties on Domestic Law
23. Implementing Decisions of Regional Human Rights Bodies in Nigeria
24. Strengthening the Rule of Law in Nigeria: Best Practices from Other Jurisdictions
25. Strengthening Human Rights Protection in Nigeria: Best Practices from Other Jurisdictions

Important Deadlines

Abstract Submission: 3 October 2025

Notification of Acceptance: 10 October 2025

Full Paper Submission (5,000 to 6,000 words, including footnotes): 15 November 2025. The presentation format will be indicated later.

Note: Submissions received after the respective deadlines will be rejected.

Publication

Following the conference, the HRI will review all presented papers for revision and inclusion in an edited volume to be published in 2026.

Contact

Submissions and enquiries should be directed to:

NHRC email

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Mrs. Dorothy Amah

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Mrs. Emilia Ogu

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22 September 2025