Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, stated on Monday that the Nigerian government is dedicated to shielding children through specialized legal pro bono initiatives. Represented by Ayoola Daniels, a director in the ministry, Fagbemi emphasized that access to justice is a fundamental right for every child, whether they are involved in legal matters as witnesses or victims.
This commitment is highlighted in the National Policy on Justice 2025, which marks the first time child-focused justice has been established as a distinct area of government policy. The framework aims to broaden legal assistance and reduce the unnecessary incarceration of minors. The Ministry of Justice intends to provide policy leadership and inter-agency coordination to ensure a child-friendly legal environment.
Outgoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Afam Osigwe, announced a $100,000 partnership with UNICEF to bolster these legal protections. Osigwe noted that this funding, approximately N140 million, is intended to increase the capacity of legal professionals to advocate for children across the nation. He stressed that lawyers possess the unique skills necessary to navigate the system and provide the representation that vulnerable youth require.
Osigwe urged all NBA branches and private law firms to contribute their resources and time toward pro bono work. He challenged legal professionals to ensure that children are not subjected to improper detention and that their rights are defended consistently. The NBA remains dedicated to mobilizing its members nationwide to ensure that justice becomes accessible to every Nigerian child, regardless of their background.
