The Bill on the Recognition and Protection of Human Rights Defenders Bill (HB.1867), sponsored by Rep. Abiola Makinde and Rep. Mudasiru Lukman, passed second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives. The purpose of the Bill is to:
(a) To recognise, respect, protect, promote, and fulfil the right of everyone, individually or in association with others, to promote and to strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms, at the national and international levels;
(b) To affirm, promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.
When passed into law, it will help reinforces section 40 of the Constitution which guarantees freedom of association and supports the protection of human right defenders in the country.