Maputo Protocol: NILDS Pushes Practical Roadmap for Domestication in Nigeria

National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies NILDS, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission NHRC, BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights, Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development, IRIAD, with support from Makina Mama Afrika, on Monday, 28 September 2026, convened a High-Level Consultation on the domestication of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, popularly known as the Maputo Protocol.

In his remarks at the consultation, Director General, NILDS, Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman urged participants to approach the engagement with a shared commitment to developing practical and sustainable solutions towards the effective domestication and implementation of the Protocol in Nigeria.

Prof. Sulaiman emphasised the need to move beyond general expressions of support to establishing clearly defined responsibilities, realistic timelines, institutional ownership, and measurable outcomes.

He noted that the objective of the consultation should be to develop a practical framework capable of guiding legislative action, strengthening institutional coordination and providing a clear pathway for the effective implementation of the Maputo Protocol at both the Federal and State levels.

The DG reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote inclusive legislation, advance the protection of human rights, and strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.

He further stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among relevant institutions and stakeholders in translating commitments on women’s rights into concrete legislative and institutional action.