This week, the world unites to observe the World Day Against Child Labour, a day dedicated to raising awareness and driving action to end the exploitation of children in the workforce. As we mark this day, it is imperative to focus on the situation in Nigeria, where child labour remains a critical issue, impeding the nation’s progress and infringing on the rights of its youngest citizens.
Nigeria, with its burgeoning population of over 200 million people, faces multifaceted challenges, and child labor is one of the most pressing. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 43 per cent of Nigerian children aged 5 to 17 are engaged in some form of economic activity, often in hazardous conditions that jeopardise their health, safety, and future prospects. This statistic is a stark reminder that despite global progress, child labor persists at alarming levels in Nigeria.
Child labour in Nigeria is pervasive across various sectors, including agriculture, mining, street vending, and domestic work. In rural areas, children are often found working on farms, exposed to dangerous chemicals and strenuous physical labor. In urban centers, they may be seen hawking goods in traffic, exposed to the risks of accidents, exploitation, and abuse. The prevalence of child labor is not merely a symptom of poverty but also a consequence of inadequate educational opportunities, weak enforcement of labour laws, and cultural norms that condone child work.
Education is the cornerstone of any effective strategy to combat child labor. Ensuring that all children have access to quality education is fundamental to breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation. In Nigeria, the barriers to education are significant. Many families cannot afford school fees, uniforms, or books, and the quality of education in public schools is often substandard. Additionally, the lack of schools in rural areas forces children to travel long distances, further discouraging attendance.
To address these challenges, the Nigerian government must prioritise investment in the education sector. This includes not only increasing funding but also ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and transparently. Building more schools, especially in underserved areas, training and adequately compensating teachers, and providing financial support to low-income families can help keep children in school and out of the labor force.
Nigeria has ratified several international conventions aimed at protecting children from labor, including the ILO Convention No. 138 on the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and ILO Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. Despite these commitments, enforcement remains weak. Corruption, lack of resources, and insufficient training of labour inspectors hinder the effective implementation of child labour laws.
There is an urgent need to strengthen the legal framework and ensure rigorous enforcement. This requires political will, adequate funding, and capacity building for labour inspectors. Establishing specialised units within law enforcement agencies to focus on child labor cases and increasing penalties for violations can serve as deterrents. Additionally, collaboration with civil society organisations can enhance monitoring and reporting of child labour practices.
Tackling child labour in Nigeria also requires a shift in societal attitudes. Many communities view child labour as a necessity or even a rite of passage. Raising awareness about the detrimental effects of child labor and the importance of education is crucial. Community leaders, religious institutions, and local NGOs play a vital role in changing perceptions and advocating for children’s rights.
Programmes that engage parents and caregivers, emphasising the long-term benefits of education over immediate financial gain from child labor, can help change mindsets. Community-based interventions that provide alternative livelihood opportunities for families can reduce the economic reliance on child labor.
The private sector must also play a role in combating child labor. Companies should adopt and enforce strict policies against child labor in their supply chains. Ethical business practices not only protect children but also enhance a company’s reputation and contribute to sustainable development. Public-private partnerships can support initiatives to eradicate child labor, such as adolescent vocational training programs and income-generating projects for parents.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The path forward requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that includes government action, community engagement, and private sector responsibility. Ending child labor is not merely a moral imperative but a crucial step toward building Nigeria’s prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future.
Investing in children today ensures a brighter tomorrow for the nation. As we reflect on the progress and challenges ahead, let us renew our commitment to protecting the rights of every child and providing them with the opportunity to realize their full potential. Only by working together can we hope to eliminate child labor and secure a better future for all Nigerian children.
