The Federal Government, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have launched a new initiative aimed at providing free legal representation and improved access to justice for children in conflict with the law across Nigeria.
The partnership was unveiled during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where participants emphasised the need to strengthen legal protection for vulnerable children within the justice system.
Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Director of the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department, Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, said every child deserves equal access to justice regardless of their circumstances.
She noted that children who interact with the justice system as victims, witnesses or alleged offenders must be protected and treated fairly.
Ayoola-Daniels highlighted existing legal frameworks such as the Child Rights Act 2003, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and various child protection policies as evidence of progress in promoting child justice in Nigeria.
She, however, stressed that reforms would only be meaningful if children could easily access legal assistance and child-friendly justice mechanisms.
UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, said many children continue to face barriers such as prolonged detention, lack of legal representation, weak referral systems and delays in case management.
According to her, access to justice is not only a legal concern but also a child protection and human rights issue that requires collective action.
Saeed urged the NBA to mobilise lawyers nationwide to provide pro bono legal services for children and called on judicial officers to adopt more child-sensitive procedures.
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, described the partnership as a reaffirmation of the legal profession’s commitment to protecting children’s rights.
He noted that many children affected by abuse, exploitation, trafficking, child marriage and other forms of vulnerability often lack adequate legal support.
Osigwe called on legal practitioners across the country to dedicate resources and expertise to child protection cases, adding that every NBA branch should establish or strengthen child-focused pro bono programmes.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative would improve access to justice and strengthen protection mechanisms for children nationwide.
