Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has said that the issue of reparations is about shaping the future of human beings.
He made the remark in his speech at the 7th Regional Consultation of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa held in Abuja.
The event was organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Other partners are ECOWAS Commission, United Nations for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
The consultation is held under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations: The Role of National Human Rights Institutions.”
Fagbemi noted that the gathering offered an opportunity for reflection and forward-thinking engagement on a topic that resonates deeply with our shared history.
READ ALSO: Of Aregbesola’s hypocritical musings and Tinubuphobia
“The issue of reparation is not merely about confronting our past; it is about shaping our future.
“It challenges us to confront long-standing injustices and persistent inequalities that continue to affect millions of Africans and people of African descent across the world.
“These are not abstract ideas; they are live realities that call for sincere, coordinated and practical responses.
“In May 2025, Nigeria hosted a seminar themed “Reparations and Transnational Justice: Perspectives and Approaches from Africa and Europe.
“The seminar brought together legal experts, policymakers, scholars and civil society actors from across both continents to engage in meaningful dialogue on shared historical experiences and evolving strategies for justice and accountability” he said.
He noted that the discourse not only deepened understanding of the complexities surrounding reparations and transitional justice.
Fagbemi added that it also generated renewed interest in the role of African states in shaping global conversations on redress, equity and historical accountability.
The outcomes of that engagement, according to him, continue to resonate, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to advancing justice rooted in truth, dignity and reconciliation.
“ In 2023 also, the African Union convened the Accra Reparations Conference, where significant steps were taken to strengthen the continent’s reparations agenda.
“The Accra gathering helped place reparations firmly on the continental agenda.
“Recently, at the 37th Ordinary Assembly of the African Union, member states, including Nigeria, supported the designation of 2025 as the “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African descent through Reparations.”
He said when institutions become increasingly critical and NHRIs uniquely placed as credible and independent bodies to lead advocacy efforts, they influence public policy and help build inclusive frameworks for reparative justice.
Their proximity to communities, according to him, mandate them to safeguard rights of the people and make them vital actors.
“Through strategic engagement with governments, institutions and civil society, including diaspora organisations. NHRIs can help create pathways that are people-centred, legally sound, and anchored in truth and reconciliation.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to this course. Our NHRC continues to play an active role in promoting accountability and human dignity.
“In recent years, we have strengthened our engagement with diaspora communities and worked to combat contemporary forms of exploitation through relevant institutions.
“These actions reflect our broader understanding that reparative justice must address both historical wrongs and present-day challenges,’’ Fagbemi said.
