ANTI TORTURE ACT
Act · Governance
An Act prohibits torture and cruel treatment by law enforcement and others, and provides remedies for victims. It targets detainees, the public, and security agencies. This promotes human rights and accountability in Nigeria.
What Is This Policy?
An Act prohibiting torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment by any person, particularly law enforcement and security agencies, and providing remedies for victims.
Who Does It Target?
Detainees, prisoners, the public, law enforcement, and human rights organizations.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Strengthen the legal framework, protect rights, improve governance, and ensure justice and accountability.
Key Features
Framework Standards: Establishes clear standards and guidelines Compliance and Oversight: Provides compliance and monitoring mechanisms Public Benefit: Designed to protect public interest and improve outcomes
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active/Under implementation or legislative consideration Coverage: Nationwide Lead Agency: Relevant Federal Ministry or Agency
How to Access
Implemented through relevant government agencies. Guidelines and compliance information available through the responsible ministry or agency.
Impact & Metrics
Strengthens institutional, legal, and regulatory capacity in the relevant sector.
Official Resources
Website: nass.gov.ng Contact: Relevant Federal Ministry/Agency, Abuja
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 and Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on the dignity of the human person. The Prohibition Against Torture Act 2017 is the principal statute, domesticating Nigeria's obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT), the Optional Protocol to CAT (OPCAT), and the African Commission's Guidelines on the Conditions of Arrest. Operates alongside the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and the Nigerian Police Act 2020.