In a powerful show of commitment to the rights of children, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, on Monday, May 5, 2025, welcomed the United Nations delegation led by Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, to the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja.
The high-level meeting focused on fostering collaboration between the NBA and the UN in addressing violence against children, particularly in the area of juvenile justice and the unlawful detention of minors.
In his remarks, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, introduced the NBA’s structure—boasting 130 branches across Nigeria—and reiterated the Association’s strong dedication to upholding human rights and the rule of law. He spotlighted the impactful work of the NBA Human Rights Institute and its other advocacy committees in addressing systemic abuse, injustice, and legal marginalization.
The NBA President stressed the urgent need for consistent monitoring of detention facilities by judicial authorities, in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). He noted that such visits are essential to ensuring that children are not unlawfully held or prosecuted in ways that violate their rights.
He further highlighted the NBA’s ongoing efforts to fill the critical gap left by underfunded legal aid services in Nigeria, often stepping in to provide legal representation to vulnerable groups, particularly children.
Acknowledging the importance of the UN visit, Osigwe expressed gratitude and proposed future engagements, including a special session dedicated to access to justice for children at the upcoming NBA Annual General Conference.
Responding, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to protecting children from violence and abuse. She emphasized the significance of judicial reforms that safeguard minors, especially in preventing the trial of children in open court settings. Dr. M’jid welcomed the NBA’s readiness for partnership and pledged her office’s support in driving sustainable change across the justice system.
The meeting signifies a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen juvenile justice in Nigeria. It reinforces both the NBA’s and the UN’s shared vision for a legal environment where every Nigerian child is protected from harm and afforded their full rights under the law.
As Nelson Mandela famously stated, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
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