UNICEF and the Nigerian Bar Association pledge joint action to reform Nigeria’s justice system and protect vulnerable children.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have called for urgent reforms to safeguard the rights of children within Nigeria’s justice system.
The call came during the NBA’s 2025 Annual General Conference in Enugu, which gathered more than 20,000 lawyers, policymakers, and civil society groups.
At a special session on ending child detention, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, stressed that no child should be jailed due to their background or circumstances, emphasizing that every child deserves dignity, protection, and the opportunity to rebuild their future.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe, pledged the association’s support, noting that although child protection laws exist in Nigeria, poor enforcement continues to undermine justice for children.
The partnership between UNICEF and the NBA will prioritize alternatives to detention, stronger child protection systems, expanded access to legal aid, and full implementation of the Child Rights Act across all 36 states.
About the Author
