Nigeria has launched new legal guidelines to protect children in conflict with the law or as victims.
Officials say the move aims to improve child-friendly justice and promote fair, non-punitive practices.
The Federal Government has introduced two new national guidelines to improve the treatment of children involved in legal matters. These are the Prosecution Guidelines for Handling Cases Involving Children and the Legal Aid Guidelines for Children in Conflict with the Law and Child Victims.
The official launch took place on Tuesday in Abuja and was led by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi.
According to Fagbemi, both documents are meant to enhance the justice system for children and ensure their rights are protected, in line with Nigeria’s Child Rights Act of 2003 and international standards.
He explained that the guidelines were the result of a joint effort between the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, UNICEF, and other partners. The process involved wide consultations and expert reviews, aimed at fixing long-standing gaps in how the justice system serves children.
While several Nigerian states have already adopted the Child Rights Law, Fagbemi noted that challenges remain in its proper implementation, especially in areas like prosecution and access to legal help for children. He said the new guidelines are designed to solve those issues.
Speaking on their purpose, Fagbemi said the prosecution document offers clear ethical and practical steps for handling cases involving children. It promotes non-custodial options like diversion and rehabilitation instead of punishment. He added that prosecutors are encouraged to focus on the root causes of a child’s actions rather than rushing to punish them.
On the Legal Aid Guidelines, the Minister explained that they guarantee children fair and timely legal support, especially those accused of crimes or those who are victims. The guidelines also outline responsibilities, legal processes, and promote systems that protect children’s rights.
“These guidelines promote a joint approach involving prosecutors, legal aid providers, police, social workers, and judges, all working together in the best interests of the child,” he said.
Fagbemi urged all stakeholders, both at the federal and state levels, to begin using the guidelines immediately and not treat the launch as just another ceremony. “We must bring them to life through training, funding, and full support,” he stressed.
He also praised UNICEF, the Nigerian Bar Association, and other collaborators for their role in developing the documents, urging them to keep working toward a justice system that treats every Nigerian child with dignity and fairness.
Earlier, Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director of the Criminal Justice Reform Department at the Ministry of Justice, said the launch marked a major step forward in Nigeria’s child protection efforts. She described the documents as practical tools that will help justice workers act consistently and compassionately when dealing with children, in line with principles like fairness, rehabilitation, and non-custodial measures.
