The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has unveiled a nationwide Child Protection Project aimed at strengthening child-friendly justice and expanding access to legal representation for children and young persons in conflict with the law.
In a statement signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association disclosed that a key feature of the initiative is the establishment of NBA Legal Aid Desks in designated police stations across selected priority states to ensure that no child is detained without prompt legal representation and the protection of their right to a fair hearing.
According to the NBA, engagements have already commenced with the Inspector-General of Police to secure the support and collaboration of the Nigeria Police Force. Following the necessary approvals, implementation of the project will begin in the identified priority states before being expanded in phases across the country.
The Association explained that the success of the initiative will depend on the active participation of NBA branches and legal practitioners nationwide. To support implementation, the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE) will organise specialised capacity-building programmes to equip lawyers with the knowledge and skills required for child-sensitive legal representation, while the National Secretariat will provide branches with the necessary guidance and implementation tools.
Calling on members to support the initiative, the NBA urged lawyers to participate in the training programmes, collaborate with justice sector institutions, and volunteer to serve through the Legal Aid Desks where required. The Association described the protection of children’s rights as a collective responsibility, reaffirming its commitment to promoting access to justice, safeguarding the rights and dignity of vulnerable children, and strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria.
Read full statement below;
NBA–UNICEF CHILD PROTECTION PROJECT AND ESTABLISHMENT OF NBA LEGAL AID DESKS
Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to inform you that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in strategic partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is implementing a nationwide Child Protection Project aimed at promoting child-friendly justice and ensuring access to legal representation for children and young persons in conflict with the law.
A key component of this initiative is the establishment of NBA Legal Aid Desks in designated Police Stations across priority States. The objective is clear: no child should be detained without prompt access to legal representation and the guarantees of a fair hearing. To facilitate the successful implementation of the project, the NBA has commenced engagement with the Inspector-General of Police to secure the support and collaboration of the Nigeria Police Force. Following the necessary approvals, implementation will commence in the selected priority States.
The success of this initiative depends on the active participation of NBA Branches and members across the country. Accordingly, the project will be implemented in phases through both physical and virtual engagements. The NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE) will conduct capacity-building programs to equip legal practitioners with the requisite knowledge and skills for child-sensitive legal representation. The National Secretariat will also work closely with Branches in the priority States, providing the necessary guidance and implementation tools to ensure the effective delivery of the project.
The protection of children’s rights is a shared responsibility. We therefore call on every member of the Nigerian Bar Association to actively support this initiative by participating in the capacity-building programs, collaborating with relevant justice sector institutions, and volunteering, where required, to serve through the NBA Legal Aid Desks. Together, we can strengthen access to justice for children, uphold their rights and dignity, and reinforce the legal profession’s commitment to the rule of law and the administration of justice.
We thank you for your continued dedication to the ideals of our Association and your unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of the most vulnerable members of our society.
Yours faithfully,
MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN
President
