Tinubu orders states, MDAs to enforce 2026–2030 plan to eliminate child labour

President Bola Tinubu has declared the elimination of child labour a national development priority, directing states and Ministries, Departments and Agencies to fully implement the National Policy and Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour, 2026–2030, The Sun reports.

Speaking at a National Dialogue in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by SGF George Akume, said child labour was no longer merely a labour issue but one tied to education, poverty, economic growth and national security.

He launched the 2024 National Child Labour Survey alongside the new action plan, citing reforms like the school feeding programme and HOPE initiative as tools to ease the poverty driving children into work.

Tinubu urged governors, employers, and community leaders to back the campaign, insisting Nigeria must move “beyond commitment to action” to guarantee every child access to education and a childhood free from exploitation.