The Federal Government expressed deep concern on Thursday regarding the issues of child labour and forced labour, highlighting their detrimental impact on the education of children. They called upon all Nigerians to actively engage in combatting this problem.
The government revealed ongoing efforts to revise the labour standards bill to address child labour, emphasizing a proposed minimum age of 15 years for employment. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, spoke passionately about these challenges at the third National Children Conference in Abuja, coinciding with the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour.
Minister Onyejeocha stated, “About 25 million adults and children endure forced labour globally, often within supply chains. This pervasive issue not only hinders children’s development but also inflicts lasting physical and psychological harm, perpetuating poverty across generations by keeping children out of school.”
“I urge everyone to join the fight against child and forced labour and uphold citizens’ rights,” she added.
Regarding global statistics, she noted, “160 million children worldwide, nearly one in 10, are involved in child labour.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts, Onyejeocha cited significant strides in ratifying International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, including those addressing minimum work age and the worst forms of child labour.
“I assure you that we will not tolerate child labour. I will use my office to ensure all Nigerian children attend and remain in school,” she affirmed.
Vanessa Phala, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Nigeria, underscored the importance of children participating in advocacy against child labour. She emphasized the urgent need for the Labour Standard Bill’s passage, foreseeing its potential to eradicate child labour entirely.
Mrs. Olaitan Olaolu, Director of the Inspectorate Department at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, praised the conference’s focus on eliminating child labour in Nigeria.
Judith Tietie, Head of the Abuja Corporate Office at the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), pledged continued efforts to educate employers on refraining from hiring children. “Employers recognize their responsibilities to create environments where every child can thrive and reach their full potential,” she affirmed. “Employing children weakens the economy’s labour force, underscoring the imperative to eradicate child labour.”
In conclusion, the conference served as a critical platform for stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to eliminating child labour. The government’s call to action resonates with the need for collective efforts to protect children’s rights and ensure their access to education, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty perpetuated by child labour.
