The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has issued a compelling call for comprehensive reforms within Nigeria’s legal and justice systems to better safeguard the rights and well-being of children. This urgent appeal was made during the NBA’s 2025 Annual General Conference held in Enugu, a significant gathering of over 20,000 participants, including legal professionals, policymakers, development partners, academics, civil society representatives, and media personnel, all united under the theme, “Stand out and stand tall.” The conference provided a crucial platform to address the critical issue of child detention and advocate for a justice system that prioritizes the best interests of children.
A dedicated high-level session titled “Ending child detention: The role of NBA in advancing justice and reintegration” underscored the joint commitment of UNICEF and the NBA to ensuring that every child, particularly the most vulnerable, receives fair, timely, and child-sensitive justice. This commitment recognizes the inherent vulnerability of children and the need for a justice system that protects their rights and provides opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The emphasis was placed on moving away from punitive measures towards a more restorative approach, emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration over detention.
Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, articulated the core principle behind this partnership, emphasizing that children should never be incarcerated solely due to their identity or circumstances of birth. She stressed the importance of upholding the dignity of every child and ensuring their access to opportunities for rebuilding their lives. Saeed highlighted the partnership’s transformative goal: to reshape the justice system from one characterized by punishment and exclusion to one focused on protection, empowerment, and restoration. This shift in perspective requires a fundamental change in how children in contact with the law are treated, moving from a punitive approach to one that focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration.
The collaborative efforts between UNICEF and the NBA are strategically focused on several key areas: promoting viable alternatives to detention and alleviating the pervasive overcrowding in juvenile facilities; strengthening child protection systems at both state and community levels to create a more protective environment for children; expanding access to essential legal aid services for children in conflict with the law, ensuring they receive adequate legal representation; and advocating for the comprehensive implementation of the Child Rights Act across all 36 states of Nigeria. This multi-pronged approach seeks to address systemic issues within the justice system and create a more holistic and protective framework for children.
Afam Osigwe, the President of the NBA, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to these crucial reforms, acknowledging that while Nigeria has made strides in enacting child protection laws, enforcement remains a significant challenge. He stressed the importance of translating legal frameworks into tangible improvements in children’s lives. The NBA, in partnership with UNICEF, pledged to continue championing reforms that align with both national and international standards for child rights, utilizing the conference as a platform to mobilize the legal community towards concrete action. This collaboration leverages the expertise and influence of the legal profession to advocate for meaningful change.
UNICEF further emphasized that justice for children must extend beyond mere legal protection, encompassing empowerment, reintegration, and the creation of lasting opportunities for every child. This holistic approach recognizes that true justice requires not just protecting children from harm but also providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive. It signifies a shift from a narrow focus on legal processes to a broader concern for the overall well-being and future prospects of children. This commitment recognizes the inherent value and potential of every child and the need for a system that supports their development and integration into society as productive and fulfilled individuals.
