Child Labor in Nigeria: An Obstacle to Development

Ify Onyekwere

The issue of child labor has been a long-standing concern globally, with many countries struggling to eradicate it completely. Nigeria, one of Africa\’s largest countries, has not been immune to this problem. Recently, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment in Nigeria, Kachollom Daju, stated that about 15 million children are engaged in child labor in Nigeria. This shows the severity of the issue in the country and the urgent need for action to address it.
The problem of child labor in Nigeria is widespread and affects children from all socio-economic backgrounds. Children as young as five years old are often engaged in hazardous work, such as street hawking, mining, and domestic work. Many of these children work long hours, often in dangerous conditions, and are paid little or nothing.
The impact of this child labor on children is devastating. Children engaged in labor are often deprived of their right to education and exposed to physical, emotional, and psychological harm. They are also at a higher risk of exploitation and abuse, including trafficking and sexual exploitation. Child labor perpetuates the cycle of poverty and deprives children of their childhood and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Nigeria has taken steps to address the problem of child labor through the enactment of laws and policies. The Child Rights Act of 2003 and the National Policy on Child Labor provide a framework for protecting children\’s rights and preventing child labor. The government has also established a National Steering Committee on Child Labor to coordinate efforts to eliminate the practice.
In a conversation with the founder of Child Aiders and Sponsors Initiative-CASI, Loveth Anih, she states that when children receive an entirely free education in all public primary and secondary schools nationwide, the issue of child labor in Nigeria can be reduced.
In her words, “although the federal government will claim that education is free, I can attest that after visiting more than 15 public primary schools in the southern region of Nigeria, I found that students are still required to pay an additional 1,000 naira for handwork, computers, security, toiletries, etc. even with purportedly cost-free education”.

Child Aiders and Sponsors Initiative-CASI
Loveth suggests that all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, should support the passage and implementation of the Child Right Act, adding that much implementation should be carried out on the law for states that have passed the Child Act Law.
Meanwhile, there have been several efforts made by international organizations such as UNICEF, ILO, and Save the Children have been working with the Nigerian government to tackle the problem of child labor in Nigeria. These organizations have supported the government in developing policies, providing technical assistance, and implementing programs to reduce child labor.
The statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment in Nigeria that about 15 million children are engaged in child labor highlights the seriousness of the issue in the country. Addressing the problem of child labor is essential to Nigeria\’s development, and sustained efforts by all stakeholders are necessary to eliminate the practice and ensure that children can reach their full potential. All stakeholders need sustained efforts to eradicate the practice of child labor and ensure that children in Nigeria are protected and can enjoy their childhood.