FG Urges Nigerians to Join Fight Against Child Labour

• Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha urged Nigerians to combat child and forced labour, emphasizing its role in worsening out-of-school children
• Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director to Nigeria, called for the Labour Standard Bill’s passage to eliminate child labour completely

The federal government urged Nigerians on Thursday to take an active role in combating child and forced labour, which worsens the issue of out-of-school children in the country.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made this plea in Abuja during the third National Children Conference, marking the elimination of child labour in Nigeria. The event commemorated the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour, themed “Let’s Act on our Commitments to End Child Labour.”

Onyejeocha revealed that a review of the labour standard bill is underway to establish 15 years as the minimum age for work. She highlighted that 25 million adults and children are trapped in forced labour, including in global supply chains. This global issue hinders children’s development, causing lifelong physical and psychological damage and keeping them out of school, perpetuating poverty across generations.

“I encourage everyone to take ownership in the fight against child labour and forced labour and to protect the rights of citizens,” Onyejeocha stated.

She noted that global statistics indicate that 160 million children, nearly one in ten worldwide, are engaged in child labour. Nigeria has made significant progress in addressing this issue, ratifying International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions on the minimum age for work and the worst forms of child labour.

“I assure you that child labour will not continue. I will use my office to ensure all Nigerian children go to school and stay in school,” she promised.

Vanessa Phala, the ILO Country Director to Nigeria, called on children to participate in the advocacy against child labour. Represented by ILO Project Coordinator on Child Labour, Agatha Kolawole, Phala urged the passage of the Labour Standard Bill to eliminate child labour.

Mrs. Olaitan Olaolu, Director of the Inspectorate Department, Ministry of Labour and Employment, emphasized the conference’s importance in eradicating child labour. Similarly, Judith Tietie, Head of the Abuja Corporate Office of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), stressed that employers must not hire children and should create environments where children can grow to their full potential.

“We, as employers, recognize our responsibilities to ensure every child thrives. Employing children weakens the labour force, so eradicating child labour is crucial,” Tietie said.