At the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference held in Enugu State, global and national voices converged to deliberate on one of the most pressing issues in Nigeria’s justice system—ending child detention.
A dedicated breakout session themed “Ending Child Detention: The Role of the NBA in Advancing Justice and Reintegration” brought together eminent speakers, including Dr. Uju Agomoh (Lead Speaker), Mr. Kayode David, James Ibor, Esq., Nkiru Maduechesi, and Prof. Uche Emelonye (Moderator), with coordination by Mona Aika for UNICEF.
The session set the tone for a broader joint call to action issued by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), emphasizing urgent reforms to protect children’s rights within Nigeria’s legal and justice systems.
A Joint Press Release by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and UNICEF
Enugu – 28 August 2025 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has called for urgent reforms to protect children’s rights within Nigeria’s legal and justice systems.
This advocacy was a central theme at the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference in Enugu, which convened over 20,000 participants, including legal professionals, policymakers, development partners, academics, media, and civil society under the banner “Stand Out and Stand Tall.”
At a high-level session titled “Ending Child Detention: The Role of NBA in Advancing Justice and Reintegration”, UNICEF and the NBA reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring that every child—especially the most vulnerable—has access to fair, timely, and child-sensitive justice.
“As the legal community gathers under the NBA, it is important that children’s rights are placed at the heart of national legal discourse,” said Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria. “Our partnership with the NBA aims to drive systemic change and promote a justice system that protects rather than punishes children.”
The partnership focuses on key areas of reform:
- Promoting alternatives to detention and reducing overcrowding in juvenile facilities
- Strengthening child protection systems at state and community levels
- Expanding access to legal aid for children in conflict with the law
- Advocating for full implementation of the Child Rights Act across all 36 states
As Nigeria’s leading legal association, the NBA was urged to use its influence to champion child-friendly reforms. Responding to the call, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, stated:
“Nigeria has made strides in enacting child protection laws, but enforcement gaps persist. Together with UNICEF, the NBA is committed to ensuring our legal institutions uphold both national and international standards for child rights. This year’s conference is a powerful platform for collective action.”
This collaboration marks a growing movement within Nigeria’s legal sector to prioritize children’s rights and well-being, translating commitments into tangible results. UNICEF reiterated its dedication to the partnership, emphasizing that justice for children must be rooted in protection, empowerment, and reintegration.
About the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is the professional body for all lawyers admitted to practice law in Nigeria. Established in 1933, the NBA plays a crucial role in promoting the rule of law, protecting human rights, and upholding the integrity of the legal profession.
It serves as a platform for lawyers to engage in legal reforms, continuing education, and advocacy. With branches across the country, the NBA also represents the interests of its members while contributing to national development and justice delivery.
For more information about Nigerian Bar Association, visit their official website at www.nigerianbar.org.ng, email them at info@nigerianbar.org.ng, or call their national secretariat at +234 906 258 7204.
About UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.
For more information about UNICEF and its work, visit www.unicef.org.
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For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
NBA: Stella Charles Akupue | Stella.Akupue@nigerianbar.org.ng | +234 803 388 8791
UNICEF: Susan Akila, UN Women Representative. Sakila@unicef.org
