A/HRC/11/26* Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its fourth session from 2 to 13 February 2009. The review of Nigeria was held at the 12th meeting on 9 February 2009. The delegation of Nigeria was headed by His Excellency, Mr. Ojo Uma Maduekwe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria. At its meeting held on 11 February 2009, the Working Group adopted the present report on Nigeria. 2. On 8 September 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Nigeria: Japan, Djibouti and Switzerland. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Nigeria: (a) A national report submitted / written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/NGA/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/NGA/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/NGA/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Sweden, and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Nigeria through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. At the 12th meeting on 9 February 2009, His Excellency, Mr. Ojo Uma Maduekwe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, presented the national report. 6. He stressed that Nigeria is one of the world’s largest democracies and, with its diversity of 250 ethnic groups, equal measure of two great historical religions and mosaic of disparate cultures, inspired largely by human rights traditions. In its commitment to human rights it is distinguished by its compliance with the highest universal standards. The question is therefore not one of will, but challenges reside primarily in the area of growing capacity. Considerable improvements have been made since the return of democracy in 1999. Nigeria takes the UPR exercise very seriously as one which will help to reinforce its capacity not only to do right at home but also to remain a very responsible and responsive member of the international community. 7. In preparation for its review, Nigeria conducted a truly broad national consultation. A National Consultative Forum (NCF) was held in Abuja in November 2008 to which every spectrum of the society was invited. During the Forum, every human rights issue was openly discussed and participants were able to express their views freely. The outcome of the NCF is faithfully reflected in the National Report. The level of participation and the quality of the debate were so valuable to the effort to protect and promote human rights that Government is considering making the event an annual one. GE.09-16312 3