IKEJI, UCHECHUKWU CYNTHIA (2026) LEGAL CHALLENGES IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHT TO HUMAN DIGNITY IN NIGERIA. Other thesis, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
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Abstract
The right to human dignity is a foundational right protected under section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Anti-Torture Act 2017, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the Police Act 2020, the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 and other relevant instruments for human rights. However, human dignity is being violated persistently in Nigeria, including police brutality, torture, unlawful arrest, prolonged pre-trial detention, degrading prison conditions, domestic violence, trafficking, disability discrimination and weak access to justice. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the legal challenges in the enforcement of the right to human dignity in Nigeria. The objectives are: to assess the extant legislation and institutions for the enforcement of the right of human dignity in Nigeria; to identify the legal challenges in enforcing the right to human dignity in Nigeria; to propose measures to mitigate the legal challenges in enforcing the right to human dignity in Nigeria. This study adopted the doctrinal methodology. It relied on primary sources including statutes, case law, constitutional provisions and international instruments, as well as secondary sources including books, journal articles, reports and internet materials. The findings from this study indicate that Nigeria has several legislations and institutions for the protecting human dignity. Even so, enforcement is weakened by legal definitions; International obligations are not domesticated poorly; there are evidentiary barriers; there are delays in court proceedings; legal aid are insufficient; judgments are not enforced adequately; institutions are not funded; prisons are overcrowded; there is no accountability from enforcement institutions and public awareness is limited. The study also found that institutions such as the courts, National Human Rights Commission, Police Service Commission, Legal Aid Council, Nigerian Correctional Service and civil society organisations play important roles. However, they are limited by constraints in structure and practice. This study recommends that there should be clear definitions in relation to the right to dignity; torture should be investigated and prosecuted strongly; there should be a structure for witness protection; judicial institutions should be funded independently; detention and correctional facilities should be decongested; awareness campaign should be conducted on the right to dignity. This study concludes that the right to human dignity in Nigeria will remain theoretical unless there are reforms in policy and practice.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Other) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | K Law > K Law (General) |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Law |
| Depositing User: | COMFORT AJALA |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Jul 2026 12:40 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Jul 2026 12:40 |
| URI: | http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5964 |
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