The Devatop Centre for Africa Development has formalised a strategic partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to strengthen human rights promotion and improve survivor-centred responses to abuse across Nigeria.
The collaboration was sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a ceremony in Abuja, marking a renewed commitment by both organisations to advance access to justice, accountability and coordinated human rights interventions nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Devatop’s Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Osuigwe, explained that the partnership was designed to ensure that survivors of human rights violations can report abuse safely and receive timely, professional support. According to him, the agreement reflects a shared vision to protect the dignity and rights of vulnerable individuals while building systems that respond effectively to their needs.
Osuigwe noted that under the MoU, Devatop and the NHRC will jointly support survivors of various forms of abuse, including gender-based violence, human trafficking, exploitation and other human rights violations. He added that the partnership provides a clear framework for collaborative actions such as survivor support services, public awareness campaigns, advocacy, capacity building and community engagement, with strong emphasis on access to justice and effective referral mechanisms.
A key pillar of the collaboration, he said, is the adoption of the TALKAM App as a digital reporting and case-management tool. The platform offers a secure and accessible channel for individuals to report human rights abuses and connect with verified support organisations, while prioritising confidentiality, safety and survivor dignity, especially for those facing social or systemic barriers to seeking help.
Osuigwe explained that the digital case-management system will allow civil society organisations and relevant institutions to receive referrals, document cases, monitor progress and coordinate responses more efficiently. As part of the agreement, the NHRC will serve as a case-management organisation on the TALKAM App, handling referred cases that fall within its statutory mandate.
“For survivors, access to justice often depends on how quickly and safely abuse can be reported and addressed,” Osuigwe said. “By partnering with the NHRC and leveraging the TALKAM App, we are strengthening a system that listens, responds and provides support. This partnership moves us closer to a reality where survivors are not left to navigate these challenges alone.”
In her response, the Head of Legal Services at the NHRC, Hajia Rabi Anwal, said the Commission’s involvement in digital case management and referrals would improve coordination, transparency and accountability in handling reported cases. She stressed that the collaboration aligns with the NHRC’s mandate to promote, protect and enforce human rights across Nigeria.
According to Anwal, the partnership will help ensure that reported cases are treated with professionalism, seriousness and respect for survivors’ rights, while reinforcing institutional cooperation in human rights protection.
Observers say the MoU represents a significant step toward building a more coordinated and survivor-focused human rights protection framework in Nigeria, combining institutional authority with innovative digital solutions to expand access to justice and support services nationwide.
