Abuja Chamber of Commerce partners Human Rights Commission to host webinar on business, human rights

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By Anthony Maliki, Abuja

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions, successfully hosted a groundbreaking webinar.

The webinar titled “Promoting Responsible Business Practices in Africa: Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Respect and Remedy for Human Rights” was held on November 14, 2024.

This was contained in a statement by Olayemi John-Mensah, ACCI Media/Strategy Officer.

The virtual event attracted a wide array of stakeholders committed to advancing ethical and responsible business practices across Africa.

Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasizing Nigeria’s leadership in human rights advocacy through the adoption of a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. With this milestone, Nigeria becomes the third African country to implement such a framework.

“As we strive for economic integration through the AfCFTA, we must uphold human rights as a central tenet of our business practices,” Dr. Ojukwu remarked.

He further highlighted the pivotal role of the AfCFTA in fostering a unified market for Africa’s 1.3 billion people while ensuring the protection of fundamental rights.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of ACCI, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to fostering ethical business practices. He emphasized the transformative potential of the AfCFTA, describing it as the largest free-trade area in the world by participating countries.

He noted that the AfCFTA offers immense opportunities for trade, investment, and industrial growth but stressed that these benefits must align with a strong commitment to human rights.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area is a monumental achievement, but its success is incomplete without a robust dedication to human rights principles,” Chief Obegolu stated.

In his welcoming address, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, Director General of ACCI, called for collective action among stakeholders to integrate human dignity into business operations.

He urged businesses to adopt human rights-focused policies and frameworks to create a resilient and accountable business environment across the continent.

The webinar served as a dynamic platform for discussions among business leaders, civil society organizations, government officials, and human rights advocates. Participants explored ways to shape a fair and just economic landscape in Africa by embedding human rights in business practices.

Notable contributors to the event included Otunba Dele Kelvin Oye, President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and Ms. Elsie Attafua, who provided valuable insights on the opportunities and challenges of integrating human rights into the AfCFTA framework.

Prominent speakers:

Mrs. Roseline Odede, Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission for Human Rights

Mr. Gilbert Sebihogo, Executive Director of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions

Mr. Napoleon Enayaba, UNDP Representative

Mr. Soji Apampa, Executive Director of the Convention for Business Integrity

Panelists:

Mr. Samson Omondi, Kenyan National Commission for Human Rights

Dr. C. V. Odoeme, Veritas University, representing Nigerian lawyers

Ms. Furaha Charo, The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions

Hon. Legborsi Nwaibu, AfCFTA Representative

The session was moderated by Aisha Ado Abdullahi, ACCI Vice President of Legal Affairs, and Ezenwa Anumnu, Deputy Chairman of the ACCI Law and Development Trade Group.

This landmark webinar reiterated the need for collaboration to foster responsible business practices that respect human rights. By aligning economic growth with dignity and equity, ACCI continues to champion sustainable development across Africa, ensuring prosperity for all.