The Biennial National Workshop on Child Justice and Human Rights opened on Tuesday at the National Judicial Institute, with stakeholders calling for stronger collaboration to protect children within Nigeria’s justice system.
Declaring the workshop open, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, urged judicial officers and relevant institutions to adopt a disciplined, coordinated, and child-sensitive approach in handling cases involving minors. She noted that cases of neglect, abuse, trafficking, and exploitation remain prevalent in courts, exposing systemic gaps that require collective action.
Represented by John Inyang Okoro, Chairman of the NJI Education Committee, the CJN stressed that the justice system must not worsen the vulnerability of children. She called on judges to exercise restraint and sensitivity, warning that poor investigations and weak inter-agency coordination often hinder effective justice delivery. The CJN also advocated rehabilitation and reintegration for children in conflict with the law, rather than punitive measures.
In his welcome address, the Administrator of the NJI, Babatunde Adejumo, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthening child justice through continuous training and engagement. He emphasized that children appear in the justice system as victims, witnesses, or alleged offenders and must be guaranteed equal access to justice.
Justice Adejumo highlighted the importance of the Child Rights Act 2003 as a key legal framework but noted that its impact depends on effective implementation. He further advocated restorative juvenile justice to reduce repeat offences while promoting accountability and rehabilitation.
The workshop, which has drawn participants from the judiciary, law enforcement, and child welfare institutions, is expected to generate practical strategies to improve the protection of children’s rights across Nigeria.
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