FG, NBA, UNICEF Launch Free Legal Services for Children

On Monday, the Federal Government, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched a partnership in Abuja to expand access to pro bono legal services for children in conflict with the law and other vulnerable children across Nigeria. Mrs.

Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, emphasized that access to justice is a fundamental right for every child. She stated that children interacting with the justice system deserve protection and fair treatment, highlighting Nigeria's progress in establishing a legal framework for child justice, including the Child Rights Act 2003.

Ayoola-Daniels noted that the effectiveness of reforms would be evaluated at the point of contact between children and the justice system. UNICEF Country Representative Wafaa Saeed remarked that the partnership is based on the principle that no child should be denied justice due to a lack of legal representation, addressing various obstacles children face within the justice system.