Nigeria Launches Pro Bono Legal Services for Vulnerable Children

In a significant move to enhance access to justice for children in Nigeria, the Federal Government has collaborated with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to introduce free legal services. This initiative aims to provide pro bono legal representation to children who are in conflict with the law and those who are vulnerable. At a high-level stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, the Director of the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, emphasized that access to justice is a fundamental right of every child. According to her, children who come into contact with the justice system, whether as victims, witnesses, or alleged offenders, deserve protection and fair treatment. 'Access to justice is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right of every child,' she stated. 'A child who comes into contact with the law, whether as a victim, witness, or an actual offender, deserves a system that protects, not harms; that restores, not stigmatizes; and that hears, not silences.' Nigeria has made notable progress in establishing a legal and policy framework for child justice, including the Child Rights Act 2003 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. However, the effectiveness of these reforms will ultimately be measured by the experiences of children when they encounter the justice system. The UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, noted that the partnership is based on the principle that no child should be denied justice due to a lack of legal representation. She highlighted the obstacles that children face within the justice system, including detention without legal representation, delays in case management, and limited access to diversion opportunities. Saeed emphasized that access to justice is not only a legal issue but also a child protection issue, a development issue, and a matter of human dignity. Every child, whether a victim, survivor, witness, or alleged offender, deserves fair treatment, due process, and the opportunity to have their voice heard. The NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, reiterated the legal profession's commitment to ensuring that every child can access justice, protection, and effective legal representation. He noted that despite existing legislation and policy reforms, many children continue to face barriers when accessing justice, and it is the responsibility of lawyers to defend vulnerable children.