FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE LEGAL SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Fundamental Human rights are the entitlements of every person simply because he/she is alive. It is inalienable and ought not to be denied save for the process determined by law. Nigeria hasn�t always been an environment where human rights have been well protected. With a history of long military incursion in the political affairs of the nation, there were times when respect for human rights wasn�t sacrosanct. However, since the turn of civilian rule in 1999, there has been a better record for the respect of human rights in the country and although there are still cases of flagrant disrespect of human rights by state actors, the state of human rights in the country is still better than how it has been in times past. There is therefore little wonder that the legal system in the country has greatly benefited from this as only in a state of respect for the rule of law can the legal system of any country move forward. Accordingly, the country has ratified and domesticated several international human rights instruments in the bid to further enhance respect for same in the country. Further, several judicial decisions have further solidified the place of respect and sanctity for human rights in the country. This paper examines the history of Nigeria vis a vis the growth of protection of human rights, it examines landmark events that have embedded respect of human rights into the fabric of the Nigerian state and how this has in turn has helped shape the legal system of the country, it analyses the legislations and institutions (both the domestic and international institutions) who are primarily charged with the protection of human rights, and proffers solutions on how human rights can be further protected in the country which will in turn contribute to the growth and advancement of the legal system.

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