ICIR NIGERIA
FORTY-THREE per cent of Nigerian children between five and eleven years of age are involved in child labour, according to the Federal Government.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment Kachollom Daju disclosed this on Monday, July 25, during a walk held to commemorate the 2023 World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL).
Daju described child labour as a grave concern, as it denies children of their rights to education, as well as mental and moral development.
The road walk took place in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), starting from the Federal Secretariat up to the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission.
“These figures reflect the degree of urgency required by the various actors working on child labour to proffer solutions to the reduction and possible elimination of child labour in Nigeria and globally. The WDACL serves as a reminder that the fight against child labour requires sustained efforts and collective action.”
She added that the Federal Government is commitment to contributing to the global fight against child labour in its worst forms.
Stating that the Federal Government is committed to eradicating the menace, Daju noted that domesticating the Child Rights Act in all states across Nigeria is a step towards meeting the goal.
She quoted the 2016 – 2017 MICS Survey, which says 39 per cent of the children involved in child labour are working under hazardous conditions, including quarrying granite, artisanal mining, commercial sexual exploitation, armed conflict and human trafficking.
