Human rights are best protected when they enjoy the binding enforceability of the law. Recognizing the binding status of human rights in national constitutions and legal systems is central to demanding accountability, compelling actions and sanctioning violations. Conferring human rights with legal recognition also empowers people and provides the option of pursuing remedies. Furthermore, the duty of the state to protect and respect human rights is triggered when they receive prescription under the law. In Nigeria, however, certain rights pertaining to economic, social and cultural rights do not receive the binding force of constitutional law. This article argues that the judiciary can act as an alternative and complementary recourse to advance and secure the commitment to the right to health. Drawing on a comparative perspective from countries where the judiciary has proactively upheld this right, it maintains that the Nigerian judiciary can take action to enhance the legal and judicial implementation of the right to health.

当人权享有法律的约束力和可执行性时，人权就能得到最好的保护。承认人权在国家宪法和法律体系中的约束地位对于要求问责、强制采取行动和制裁违法行为至关重要。通过法律承认人权还可以赋予人们权力并提供寻求补救措施的选择。此外，当人权受到法律规定时，就会触发国家保护和尊重人权的义务。然而，在尼日利亚，与经济、社会和文化权利有关的某些权利不具有宪法的约束力。本文认为，司法机构可以作为替代和补充手段来促进和确保对健康权的承诺。通过与司法部门积极维护这一权利的国家进行比较，认为尼日利亚司法部门可以采取行动，加强健康权的法律和司法落实。