United Nations independent expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, has called for stronger legal frameworks to ensure that Africa’s pursuit of trade and investment does not undermine human rights.
Olawuyi spoke at the 5th Africa Forum on Business and Human Rights in Dakar, Senegal.
The forum marked the 15th anniversary of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
His intervention centred on what has become one of Africa’s most difficult policy balances: attracting capital for infrastructure, energy and industrial development while protecting communities and the environment.
Investors often demand regulatory certainty and speed.
Communities affected by large projects, however, require meaningful consultation, environmental protection, compensation and access to remedies.
Olawuyi argues that the two objectives should not be treated as mutually exclusive.
Responsible investment, he said in substance, should produce economic development without transferring environmental and social costs to vulnerable communities.
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Source: Punch
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