The Federal Government and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have launched a strategic ₦140 million ($100,000) pro bono legal service initiative in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to guarantee comprehensive legal protection for vulnerable children across Nigeria.

Speaking at the official launch in Abuja on Monday, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, declared that no Nigerian child would be left behind under the current administration’s justice reform system.

Fagbemi, who was represented by Ayoola Daniels, a Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, revealed that justice for children has now been formally integrated as a distinct sector in the National Policy on Justice.

"Access to justice is not a privilege; it is a foundational right of every child," Fagbemi stated. "A child who comes into contact with the law—either as a victim, witness, or an alleged offender—deserves a system that protects, restores, and does not stigmatize them."

The AGF noted that the framework will prioritize children`s rights awareness, expand free legal aid, promote restorative justice, and end the unnecessary detention of minors. He reaffirmed the ministry`s commitment to providing the legislative support and policy leadership necessary to make Nigeria`s justice system entirely child-friendly.

In his remarks, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, commended UNICEF for its continuous efforts in strengthening Nigeria`s child protection systems. He explained that the ₦140 million partnership aims to mobilize lawyers nationwide to provide high-quality, free legal representation to children whose rights are violated or who are in conflict with the law.

"Children are the leaders of tomorrow, and we cannot have a secure future if we do not invest in them and protect them today," Osigwe said. "This initiative ensures that every Nigerian child, regardless of background, can access justice and protection."

Osigwe challenged NBA branches and private law firms across the country to dedicate their time, expertise, and resources to child protection cases. He emphasized that the legal profession holds a unique statutory power to advocate for the vulnerable.

"When a child survivor of abuse requires legal representation, there should be a lawyer ready to stand by that child. When a child is unlawfully detained, let there be a lawyer ready to insist that the right thing be done. If a child must be detained, let us ensure they are kept in age-appropriate facilities and not mingled with adults," the NBA President charged.

The NBA boss expressed optimism that a successful rollout of the project would prompt further funding from UNICEF, while institutionalising child-focused pro bono work as a nationwide movement within the Nigerian legal space.