Ms Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, begins a four-day official visit to Nigeria from Tuesday, a statement said.

The statement from Mr Kelechi Onyemaobi, the UN Development Programme Communications Specialist, said Pillay was visiting on the invitation of the Federal Government.

It said the envoy would engage the government and civil society on the promotion and protection of human rights at the highest levels.

“It is the first such visit to Nigeria by any UN High Commissioner for Human Rights since the office was created 20 years ago.

“During her visit, Pillay plans to meet President Goodluck Jonathan as well as the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Justice and Women Affairs and Social Development.

“She also plans to meet senior officials in the government, the National Assembly and the judiciary,’’ the statement said.

It added that the diplomat would hold meetings with the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, members of the international community and UN agencies.

“It is to reaffirm the support of the UN Human Rights Office for the efforts of government and other stakeholders to improve human rights in the country.

“It is also intended to broaden the profile and understanding of human rights in general throughout the country,” the statement said.

It said that at the end of her visit on Friday, the High Commissioner would hold a news conference at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. (NAN)