The Federal Government, Nigerian Bar Association and United Nations Children's Fund have launched a partnership aimed at expanding access to free legal services for children in conflict with the law and other vulnerable children across Nigeria.

Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, at a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja today, the Director of the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, said access to justice is a fundamental right of every child. According to her, children who come into contact with the justice system as victims, witnesses or alleged offenders deserve protection, fair treatment and access to justice.

Ayoola-Daniels noted that Nigeria has made progress in establishing a legal and policy framework for child justice through instruments including the Child Rights Act 2003, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, state child rights laws and diversion initiatives.

The official said the Federal Government is prioritising children's rights by addressing issues such as unnecessary detention and improving access to child-friendly justice mechanisms.

The UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, said the partnership was based on the principle that no child should be denied justice because of a lack of legal representation, stressing that every child, whether a victim, survivor, witness or alleged offender, deserved fair treatment, due process and an opportunity to have their voice heard.

— PUNCH