Stop Arrest Of LGBT Persons, Remove Restrictions On Freedom Of Expression, US Tells Nigeria

The US representative also asked the Nigerian government to amend the Nigerian Press Council Act to remove restrictions on freedom of LGBT.

The United States of America has urged Nigeria to modify its 1992 Press Act to remove restrictions on free speech and to stop making arbitrary arrests and pursuing legal action against LGBT people.

This appeal was submitted in Geneva, Switzerland, during the fourth cycle of the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Period Review of Nigeria.

Speaking about some of Nigeria's human rights concerns, a U.S. government representative said, “We remain concerned regarding certain restrictions on the enjoyment of Nigerians' human rights.

“In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend that Nigeria implement recommendations from the state-level investigations panel report on security forces response to the #EndSARS protests, including prosecution as appropriate of the individuals implicated in the reports.”

She further recommended, “Amend the Nigerian Press Act of 1992 to remove restrictions on freedom of expression, specifically as it applies to online and citizen journalists.

“End the arbitrary arrest and prosecution of LGBT persons and amend the armed forces standard operating procedure to ensure the protection of human rights and fundamental freedom of all Nigerians.”

Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, responded by expressing gratitude for the UN Human Rights Council's interest in Nigerian affairs and the recommendations that had been made.

He emphasized that Nigeria is making efforts to create national agreement on justice sector reform.

He stated, “I will like to assure you that Nigeria has continued to take very commendable steps towards building a consensus across the federation of Nigeria in order to have a justice sector reform that is worthy of emulation all over the world.”