The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has renewed its call for urgent reforms to strengthen child rights in Nigeria, particularly within the justice and legal systems. This advocacy was highlighted during the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference in Enugu, which drew over 20,000 participants, including legal professionals, policymakers, civil society groups, and the media. With the theme “Stand out and stand tall”, the event emphasized the urgent need to create fair and inclusive justice systems for children.
At a high-level session titled “Ending Child Detention: The Role of NBA in Advancing Justice and Reintegration”, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, stressed that no child should ever be detained simply because of who they are or the circumstances into which they were born. She explained that ensuring child rights in Nigeria requires a justice system that protects rather than punishes, restores rather than breaks, and empowers rather than excludes.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe, acknowledged that while Nigeria has made progress in enacting child protection laws, enforcement remains a major challenge. He reaffirmed the association’s partnership with UNICEF to drive reforms that align with both national legislation and international standards on children’s rights.
This collaboration focuses on promoting alternatives to detention, reducing overcrowding in juvenile facilities, and expanding access to legal aid for children in conflict with the law. It also emphasizes the importance of implementing the Child Rights Act across all 36 states. UNICEF further noted that justice for children must go beyond legal frameworks, prioritizing empowerment, reintegration, and lasting opportunities for vulnerable minors.
The call for reform connects with broader governance and social justice conversations. For context on how inclusive policymaking impacts communities, readers can explore PMW’s feature on governance and inclusion in Nigeria. Globally, UNICEF continues to champion child protection, and further details can be found on the UNICEF Nigeria child protection page
