RismadarVoice Reporters
August 12, 2026
The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has launched a nationwide initiative to expand access to pro bono legal services for vulnerable children in Nigeria.
The initiative, according to NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, is aimed at ensuring that no child is denied access to justice because of poverty, vulnerability, disability or other circumstances.
Speaking at the launch, Osigwe said the partnership would mobilise lawyers across the country to provide legal representation and protection for children whose rights are threatened.
He said the programme would also strengthen the capacity of participating lawyers through specialised training in child-sensitive justice, improve referral pathways and establish a structured nationwide network for pro bono legal services dedicated to children.
The NBA President said the partnership would reinforce the culture of pro bono service within the legal profession while providing lawyers with opportunities to contribute to public-interest law and child justice.
He called on NBA branches, law firms, Senior Advocates of Nigeria and other legal practitioners to support the initiative, describing pro bono legal services for children as a defining responsibility of the legal profession.
The launch brought together key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, National Judicial Institute, Nigerian Correctional Service, development partners, civil society organisations and members of the legal profession.
Osigwe expressed appreciation to UNICEF and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, stressing that the partnership represents a significant step towards ensuring that justice and legal protection are accessible to every Nigerian child.
