‘Every Nigerian child will be protected’ – FG, NBA speak on pro bono partnership with UNICEF
Nigerian Government Unveils Pro Bono Legal Services for Children
ABUJA – The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, announced the Nigerian government’s commitment to child protection through pro bono legal services during a launch event on Monday. The initiative is a collaboration between the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Fagbemi, represented by Ayoola Daniels, a director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, emphasized that under the Federal Government’s justice reform system, “no Nigerian child will be left behind.”
“It’s an honour to focus on one of the most important responsibilities of any justice system: ensuring that children have fair, timely, and dignified access to justice,” he said. Fagbemi described access to justice as a foundational right that every child should enjoy, particularly those who come into contact with the law as victims or witnesses.
The Attorney General highlighted that for the first time, “Justice for children” has been recognized as a distinct area in the National Policy on Justice 2025, establishing a framework for a more inclusive justice system. This policy aims to enhance children’s rights awareness, expand legal aid, and promote restorative justice to prevent unnecessary detention.
“Our task now is implementation, closing the gaps, and strengthening pathways that translate into better outcomes for children,” Fagbemi stated, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to policy leadership and inter-agency coordination to create a child-friendly justice system in Nigeria.
Outgoing NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, praised UNICEF for its efforts to bolster the child protection system in Nigeria, also noting that the partnership is valued at $100,000. He expressed his pleasure in launching this strategic partnership, emphasizing its potential to reinforce access to pro bono legal services for children across the nation.
“This initiative aligns with our longstanding commitment to serve society and supports Nigeria’s broader sustainable development goals, particularly those related to peace and justice,” Osigwe said. He acknowledged that successful implementation of the program could attract additional funding and enhance lawyers’ capacity to advocate for children’s rights.
Osigwe urged lawyers to actively participate in protecting children’s rights, stressing that legal professionals have a unique role that is essential in navigating the justice system. “The protection of children cannot be left solely to government institutions and social workers. We possess the knowledge and skills necessary to give a voice to those unheard,” he said.
He called on NBA branches and law firms to allocate time and resources to pro bono services focused on vulnerable children. “When a child needs legal representation due to abuse or unlawful detention, lawyers must be ready to defend their rights,” he asserted.
As the partnership progresses, Osigwe challenged legal professionals to aid in transforming pro bono services into a movement that ensures all children have access to justice. “Together, let us build a future where every child’s rights are protected and the barriers of poverty do not determine their fate,” he concluded.
