The Nigerian Bar Association and the United Nations Children’s Fund have launched a partnership to expand access to pro bono legal services for vulnerable children across Nigeria.
The initiative was launched at an event attended by stakeholders in the justice and child protection sectors, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, representatives of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the National Judicial Institute, the Nigerian Correctional Service, development partners, civil society organisations and members of the legal profession.
Speaking at the event, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, said the partnership was founded on the principle that no child should be denied access to justice because of poverty, vulnerability, disability or other circumstances.
Osigwe, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, said the initiative would mobilise lawyers across the country to provide legal protection and effective representation for children whose rights were threatened.
According to him, the collaboration would strengthen the professional capacity of lawyers, improve referral pathways and establish a nationwide network of pro bono legal services focused on protecting the rights and best interests of Nigerian children.
