Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community elders across Nigeria have made a public commitment to end harmful cultural practices, stating that culture should safeguard human dignity rather than threaten lives.
The pledge came during a stakeholders’ engagement hosted by the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja. The meeting brought together traditional institutions, government agencies, civil society groups, and development partners with a shared goal of protecting women and children.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu, Director of Women and Children Mrs. Ngozi Okorie explained the purpose of the initiative. She said it was not about erasing cultural identity but about reforming practices that undermine human dignity. 
“No culture is superior to human dignity,” Okorie told the gathering. She reminded participants that the values of health, respect, and human dignity were upheld by ancestors long before today’s debates.
The forum focused on specific practices still affecting communities nationwide. Among those discussed were child marriage, female genital mutilation, and harmful widowhood rites.
Participants said these traditions continue to restrict the rights, health, and opportunities of women and girls. They argued that the effects extend beyond individuals to limit broader social progress.
Stakeholders agreed that ending these practices is both a human rights necessity and a requirement for national growth. They linked the wellbeing of women and girls directly to the country’s development prospects.
Dr. Izeduwa Derex-Briggs of the Ford Foundation called for more honest conversations within communities. He urged people to examine whether long-standing traditions still serve present realities.
“Many of these practices have existed for generations,” Derex-Briggs said. “We need open conversations on whether they still serve us and how they affect our people today.”
Mrs. Tasha Roseline of the Federal Ministry of Justice outlined government steps to strengthen protections. She said efforts include expanding legal aid, tightening legal safeguards, and raising public awareness so women can access justice and opportunity more easily.
Prof. Joy Ezeilo presented data on the scale of harmful practices, existing legal protections, and the social impact on women and girls in Nigeria. Her presentation provided context for the policy and community measures under discussion.
Mr. Chino Obiagwu of the Legal Defence and Assistance Project stressed the role of community ownership in making reforms stick. He noted that traditional rulers remain central to achieving lasting change.
“Gender equity won’t work if it’s imposed from outside,” Obiagwu said. “Communities must own the reforms.”
The group concluded that legislation alone would not end the practices. They resolved to adopt community-based measures that promote dignity, girl-child education, maternal health, and women’s inclusion in decision-making. They also pledged to work with the NHRC to monitor progress at the grassroots level.
A traditional ruler at the meeting captured the sentiment plainly: “When our daughters are safe and educated, our communities prosper.” The engagement closed with renewed commitments from traditional institutions, government agencies, and community groups to turn reforms into daily realities for Nigerians.
