The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, Eze Anaba, alongside 15 other nominees to the governing board of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The confirmation was announced on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, following consideration of a report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN, representing Ondo Central Senatorial District.
The Senate also confirmed Dr Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman as Chairman of the NHRC governing board and Dr Anthony Ojukwu, SAN, as Executive Secretary.
Other nominees confirmed alongside Anaba include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Edmund Chinonye, Chinonye Obiaku, SAN, Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, Otunba Francis Meshioye, Patience Patrick Udoh and Hawwa Ibrahim.
President Bola Tinubu had in April 2026 written to the Senate, requesting the screening and confirmation of the nominees as part of efforts to reconstitute the commission’s governing board in accordance with the law.
The letter was read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the correspondence, Tinubu cited Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers the President to constitute the commission’s governing board, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The nominees were drawn from different professional backgrounds, including the media, law and other fields, reflecting the commission’s broad mandate in promoting and protecting fundamental human rights.
The National Human Rights Commission is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria, investigating alleged violations, encouraging compliance with national and international human rights standards and supporting efforts to strengthen respect for fundamental freedoms.
The reconstitution of the governing board is expected to provide renewed leadership and oversight for the commission as it carries out its statutory responsibilities.
Anaba’s appointment is particularly notable given his position as President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, a professional body representing editors and senior media practitioners across the country.
His inclusion on the board brings media-sector representation to an institution whose work intersects with freedom of expression, access to justice, civil liberties and the protection of citizens against human rights violations.
With the Senate’s confirmation, the nominees have cleared the legislative screening stage required for their appointments. The effectiveness of the reconstituted board will depend on its ability to strengthen the commission’s independence, institutional capacity and response to complaints of human rights abuses.
The commission is expected to continue working with relevant government institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote accountability, protect vulnerable groups and advance respect for the rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution and applicable laws.
