Human Rights Agenda Network

𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐬

The Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, representing the Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN), participated in the Southwest Nigeria Common Country Analysis (CCA) Stakeholder Data Validation Exercise in Lagos.

The engagement brought together stakeholders to discuss key national priorities, including climate resilience, governance, access to justice, food security, social inclusion, and the rights of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Representing HRAN, the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation contributed to the Humanitarian, Development and Peace thematic discussions, ensuring that civil society perspectives and the needs of vulnerable communities remain part of the conversation shaping Nigeria's future.

Together, we are building a more inclusive and sustainable Nigeria.

Congratulations, Ms. Joybliss Ifeanyichukwu!

The Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) is delighted to congratulate Donate A Smile Initiative, represented by Ms. Joybliss Ifeanyichukwu, on her appointment as the Head of the HRAN Research Team.

We are confident that your leadership, expertise, and commitment will strengthen HRAN’s research and evidence-based advocacy. We wish you every success in this important role and look forward to your valuable contributions to advancing human rights in Nigeria.

Congratulations once again, and welcome to the team!

𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amb. Peace Edem, Board Secretary of the Youth for Change & Social Life Development Foundation (YOFCI), as Chair of the HRAN Strategic Team.

We also appreciate YOFCI for accepting to serve as the Host Organization for the HRAN Strategic Team.

We congratulate Amb. Peace Edem and look forward to working together to strengthen human rights, accountability, and collaborative action across Nigeria.

Congratulations, and best wishes for a successful tenure!

Yesterday July 22 2026, the Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) paid a courtesy visit to Rt. Hon. Henry Nwawuba, Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF).

The engagement provided an opportunity to introduce HRAN’s work and explore areas of collaboration towards strengthening human rights advocacy and democratic governance in Nigeria.

We discussed the importance of establishing a Human Rights Desk within the National Assembly to support the tracking of human rights bills, promote effective legislative engagement, and enhance documentation of human rights activities, developments, and issues across Nigeria.

HRAN remains committed to building strategic partnerships that contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive, and rights-based Nigeria.

𝗛𝗥𝗔𝗡 𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) participated in the National Assembly (NASS) Open Week 2026, held from 14–16 July 2026, under the theme: "Three Years of the 10th Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform."

The Open Week brought together legislators, civil society organisations, youth, women, the private sector, and other stakeholders to strengthen transparency, accountability, inclusion, and citizen participation in the legislative process. Activities included the unveiling of the 10th Assembly's three-year legislative scorecard, policy dialogues, roundtables, youth town hall sessions, and stakeholder engagements. Tributes were also paid to those who had previously served in the National Assembly.

According to the legislative scorecard presented, the 10th Assembly received 2,747 bills within three years the highest number of bills introduced in Nigeria since 1960. Of these, 363 bills were passed, 72 received Presidential assent and became Acts, 1,320 motions were considered, 766 oversight engagements were conducted, and ₦61.5 billion was reportedly recovered through oversight activities.

The Open Week reaffirmed that lawmaking is the business of every Nigerian and that Parliament has a responsibility to remain open and accountable to the people. It also provided an opportunity for civil society organisations to engage the National Assembly, assess its performance, and contribute recommendations for stronger democratic governance. HRAN joined other CSOs in these conversations and participated in discussions aimed at enhancing legislative accountability and citizen engagement, including sessions on statutory legislative support for students.

We commend the National Assembly for creating a platform that encourages dialogue between lawmakers and citizens, while reaffirming HRAN's commitment to promoting transparency, democratic participation, and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.

𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 (𝐂𝐂𝐀) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

Yesterday, the Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) participated in the North Central Stakeholder Data Validation for the Nigeria Common Country Analysis (CCA) 2026 held at the UN House, Abuja Nigeria.
The CCA serves as an important assessment of Nigeria's realities, priorities, opportunities, and development challenges. During the validation session, stakeholders reviewed key findings, identified critical gaps, and made recommendations to ensure the report accurately reflects the experiences of communities across the country.

HRAN remains committed to contributing evidence-based perspectives that strengthen human rights, inclusive development, and effective policymaking in Nigeria. We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with other stakeholders in shaping a more responsive and people-centred national development agenda.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚

On 7 July 2026, the Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) paid a courtesy and strategic engagement visit to the United Nations Human Rights Office at the UN House, Abuja.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of strengthening collaboration between civil society and the United Nations in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria. Discussions also explored opportunities for greater civil society participation in national human rights processes and future stakeholder engagements.

HRAN appreciates the warm reception and looks forward to working with the United Nations Human Rights and other partners to promote accountability, inclusion, access to justice, digital rights, and the protection of the rights of all persons across Nigeria.

Together, we can build a more just, inclusive, and rights-respecting society.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰.

The Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) was pleased to participate in the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum held in Lagos.

We sincerely appreciate International IDEA for sponsoring HRAN’s participation through the EU CSO-Bridge Project. The Forum provided valuable insights into sustainable investment, governance, policy reforms, public-private partnerships, and opportunities for collaboration between government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society.

For civil society organisations, participation in platforms like this is important. It strengthens knowledge, expands networks, and creates opportunities to engage in development conversations that can support organisational growth and long-term sustainability.

Thank you to International IDEA for ensuring that civil society voices are represented in these important discussions.

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞.

24 June 2026

HRAN joined other civil society organisations in a productive engagement with the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Victims' Rights Advocate, Ms. Najla Nassif Palma, on advancing the rights of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse in Nigeria.

The discussion focused on ensuring that survivors have a voice, receive the support they need, and have access to justice. Participants also shared practical challenges affecting victims and explored ways to strengthen protection and accountability.

During the engagement, HRAN raised concerns about the growing use of social media by perpetrators, including cases where bosses exploit victims by retaining their photographs for abuse and coercion. Stronger mechanisms are needed to identify, investigate, and prosecute such violations.

Protecting victims is a shared responsibility. Together, we can build systems that put survivors first and uphold human dignity.