The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested state assemblies to forward copies of all pending and future bills before them to the Commission for vetting purposes to ascertain their compliance with human rights norms.

In a letter addressed to the Speakers of the 36 States of the Federation and State Attorneys General, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, stated that the request was made pursuant to Section 6(k) of the Amendment Act, 2010 which empowers the Commission to "examine any existing legislation, administrative provisions and proposed bills or bye-laws for the purposes of ascertaining whether such enactments or proposed bills or bye-laws are consistent with human rights norms".

Prof. Angwe further stated that where the provisions of such existing or proposed legislations are found to be non-compliant with human rights provisions, the Commission will exercise its powers by recommending to the appropriate authorities to expunge or review such provisions with a view to making them human rights complaint.

The Executive Secretary further disclosed that the Commission has commenced the process of opening more offices across the federation with a view to bringing its services closer to the people. He therefore appealed to all stakeholders including state governments to cooperate with the Commission to advance the course of human rights of Nigerians and all persons living in Nigeria.