NBA to collaborate with JRI on access to justice
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has signed an agreement with the Justice Research Institute (JRI) supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) for the implementation of justice assistance programmes. The NBA President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) signed on behalf of Nigerian lawyers, while the coordinator of JRI, Ikem Isiekwena signed for the non-profit […]
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has signed an agreement with the Justice Research Institute (JRI) supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) for the implementation of justice assistance programmes.
The NBA President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) signed on behalf of Nigerian lawyers, while the coordinator of JRI, Ikem Isiekwena signed for the non-profit organization during a brief ceremony on Thursday.
In his remarks, Mahmoud expressed delight for the initiative, describing it as among the areas the NBA is interested in order to mobilise of members for pro bono services.
He said the association has signed similar agreements with organisations like the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Legal Aid Council, MacArthur Foundation, Office of the President on Millennium Sustainable Development Goals, the Government of the UK and other development partners.
Earlier, Isiekwena had said the main objective of the project is to provide access to justice to the most vulnerable, underserved and marginalised residents of Abuja, Enugu, Kaduna and Osun.
He said the NGO is currently implementing the project: ‘Building a Culture of Pro-Bono Assistance in Nigeria.’
He said the programme will establish two clearing houses to match experienced volunteer lawyers with nonprofit organisations and indigent or vulnerable individuals in need of free legal assistance.
“The clearinghouse in Abuja will seek, over time, to serve the needs of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating around the country, with a specific focus on awaiting trial detainees and victims of domestic and sexual violence. The second clearinghouse will serve the needs of vulnerable and under-served residents in Kaduna State especially victims of the ethnic conflict in Southern Kaduna,” he said.