The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has unveiled plans to establish Legal Aid Desks in designated police stations across priority states as part of a nationwide child protection initiative aimed at ensuring that children and young persons in conflict with the law have prompt access to legal representation.

The initiative, being implemented in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund, is designed to promote child-friendly justice and safeguard the rights of children from unlawful detention without legal assistance.

NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, saying the project would ensure that no child is denied the constitutional guarantees of a fair hearing due to a lack of legal representation.

According to him, the association has commenced engagement with the Inspector-General of Police to secure the support and collaboration of the Nigeria Police Force for the establishment of the legal aid desks in selected police stations.

He explained that implementation of the project would begin in the designated priority states once the necessary approvals are obtained.

Osigwe noted that the project would be rolled out in phases through physical and virtual engagements, stressing that the active participation of NBA branches and legal practitioners across the country would be critical to its success.

To strengthen the capacity of lawyers participating in the programme, he said the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education would organise specialised training to equip legal practitioners with the knowledge and skills required for child-sensitive legal representation.

He added that the NBA National Secretariat would work closely with branches in the priority states by providing implementation tools and technical guidance to ensure the effective delivery of the initiative.

Calling on members of the association to support the programme, Osigwe urged lawyers to participate in the training sessions, collaborate with justice sector institutions and volunteer to serve through the NBA Legal Aid Desks.

“The protection of children’s rights is a shared responsibility. Together, we can strengthen access to justice for children, uphold their rights and dignity, and reinforce the legal profession’s commitment to the rule of law and the administration of justice,” he said.

The NBA said the initiative underscores its commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable children and ensuring greater access to justice through institutional collaboration with UNICEF and the Nigeria Police Force.