USING BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS LAW TO PROMOTE PUBLIC SERVICE ACCOUNTABILITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The inter-relatedness of business activities and human right law cannot be over emphasized. Public service delivery in Nigeria is frequently compromised by corruption, poor governance, and widespread human rights violations. Businesses play a growing role in this sector through public-private partnerships and procurement contracts but their actions are often not held to clear human rights standards. This creates significant accountability gaps and risks for citizens who depend on essential services. This paper aims to explore how Business and Human Rights Law (BHRL), an emerging legal framework can be used to enhance public service accountability in Nigeria. The objective is to assess how international norms, particularly the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), can be integrated into Nigeria’s domestic legal and institutional systems to protect citizens' rights and improve transparency. Using a doctrinal research approach, the study examines international legal instruments, national legislation, and judicial decisions to evaluate the extent to which businesses involved in public service are subject to human rights obligations. The study reveals a disconnect between Nigeria’s international human rights commitments and their implementation at the national level due to Weak institutions, poor regulatory enforcement, and a lack of mandatory human rights due diligence for companies persist. However, the paper also identifies emerging developments such as progressive court rulings, new policy proposals, and increased awareness of corporate responsibility. The paper calls for the establishment of mandatory human rights due diligence obligations for companies in public service sectors, and enhanced enforcement capabilities for regulatory and judicial institutions. It advocates for a shared accountability model that includes both state and private actors to achieve a transparent, equitable, and rights-based public service system in Nigeria.