CJN Opens Biennial Child Justice Workshop, Calls for Coordinated Protection of Minors
The Biennial National Workshop on Child Justice and Human Rights commenced today at the Andrews Otutu Obaseki Auditorium of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja, with a strong call for coordinated action to safeguard the welfare of children within Nigeria’s justice system.
Declaring the workshop open, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJI Board of Governors, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, emphasized the urgent need for judicial officers and allied institutions to adopt a disciplined, coordinated, and child-sensitive approach in handling cases involving minors. She noted that matters of neglect, abuse, trafficking, and exploitation continue to surface in Nigerian courts, underscoring systemic gaps that demand collective responsibility.
Representing the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJI Board of Governors, Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro, CFR, JSC, Chairman of the Education Committee, delivered the keynote address. The CJN emphasized the urgent need for judicial officers and allied institutions to adopt a disciplined, coordinated, and child-sensitive approach in handling cases involving minors. He noted that matters of neglect, abuse, trafficking, and exploitation continue to surface in Nigerian courts, underscoring systemic gaps that demand collective responsibility.
“The courtroom must not become an environment that compounds the vulnerability of a child,” Justice Kekere-Ekun stated, urging judges to exercise restraint and sensitivity in proceedings. The CJN further highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, stressing that poor investigations and a lack of coordination often impair courts’ ability to deliver justice. She also cautioned against disproportionate responses to children in conflict with the law, advocating for rehabilitation and reintegration rather than marginalization.
In his welcome address, the Administrator of the NJI, Hon. Justice Babatunde Adejumo, OFR, reiterated the Institute’s commitment to strengthening child justice through training and dialogue. He noted that children interact with the legal system as victims, witnesses, or alleged offenders, and must be guaranteed equal access to justice. Justice Adejumo pointed to the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003, which incorporates international conventions, as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s child protection framework, but stressed the need for its practical application beyond mere adoption.
He advocated for restorative juvenile justice as a means of reducing recidivism while promoting rehabilitation and accountability. “The importance of specialized training for every professional within the justice sector cannot be overstated,” he remarked, encouraging participants to use the workshop as a platform for substantive dialogue and exchange of ideas.
Both speakers acknowledged the contributions of the NJI Board of Governors, particularly Hon. Justice John Inyang Okoro, CFR, JSC, Chairman of the Education Committee, and commended the Heads of Courts and facilitators present for their support in advancing judicial education.
The workshop, which brings together judicial officers, law enforcement agencies, and child welfare institutions, is expected to produce actionable strategies to enhance the protection and rights of children across Nigeria.
