Judicial Remedies for Human Rights Violations in Nigeria: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

Although human rights issues have become a global subject with global relevance, States remain primarily responsible in international law for the promotion and protection of human rights.  In recognition and acknowledgment of the mandate of States,  Nigeria has erected enviable institutional infrastructure and provided a wide range of remedies- judicial and extra-judicial – to redress human rights violations occurring in its territory.

But the provision of remedies is one thing their adequacy and efficacy are another matter entirely.  It is regrettably true that judicial remedies in Nigeria are hamstrung by a number of factors. This article examines the judicial remedies available in Nigeria to redress human rights violations and stresses the imperative of judicial remedies generally. The paper also examines the procedure for the activation of judicial remedies and draws attention to the multifarious impediments which have gravely undermined, compromised and frustrated the effectiveness of the remedies. It concludes by providing suggestions which will ensure that the remedies are of real value in redressing human rights violations in Nigeria.