The Impact of Corporate International Human Rights Regime on the Human Rights Records of Sovereign States: The Case of Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined the impact of corporate international human rights regime on Nigeria's human rights record. The core objectives of the paper are to find out if Nigerian government adhered substantially to the core international human rights treaties since 1999; to determine if the enforcement mechanism adopted by the human rights regime impacted positively on Nigeria's compliance to its principles, and to find out the primary factors that guarantee the prevailing relationship between Nigeria and the human rights regime. Secondary method of data collection and content analysis were adopted, while the theory of liberal institutionalism organised the inquiry. The results of analysis show that Nigeria violates human rights doctrines with impunity, and there is little or no sanction against Nigeria due to the violations since 1999.  The prevailing World power rivalry and interests for the control of Nigeria's abundant oil and natural resources, and the emergence of boko-haram terrorist group are the primary factors responsible for the prevailing relationship between Nigeria and the human rights regime. The paper recommends for the establishment of a legally accepted international institution responsible for enforcing human rights.