Annual IBA Pro Bono Award

Nigerian public interest lawyer and access to justice advocate Yusuf Temilola Nurudeen was announced as the recipient of the 2026 IBA Annual Pro Bono Award. The Award recognises Mr Nurudeen’s exceptional and sustained commitment to pro bono legal service and access to justice in Nigeria.

Mr Nurudeen, IBA Pro Bono Awardee, commented: ‘Receiving the IBA Annual Pro Bono Award is a profound honour and an affirmation that access to justice must never depend on a person’s income or status. It gives voice to my campaign against the “commodification of justice” and the “criminalisation of poverty”. I dedicate this recognition to our network of over 141 pro bono volunteer lawyers across 18 states, and to our partners who advance this vision through the Foundation for Public Interest Law and Development (The Pro Bono Centre). Together, we provide legal representation to indigent and vulnerable persons, including women and children; defend fundamental rights; and challenge unlawful detention. This Award strengthens my resolve to continue harnessing the full strength of the law so that those in need may find protection, trust and solace in Nigeria’s justice system. I hope it inspires lawyers to embrace pro bono service as the highest calling of the profession.’