The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending child labour in Nigeria, saying it is stepping up efforts to meet the global target of eradicating the practice by 2030.
Speaking during the ongoing 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, the Director of the Labour Inspectorate Department at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Magaji Ademu, said Nigeria remains dedicated to eliminating all forms of child labour across the country.
According to him, the government has developed key policy frameworks aimed at addressing the issue. He revealed that Nigeria’s National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan, prepared with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), will be officially launched in Abuja on June 16.
Ademu noted that the government’s efforts are in line with international commitments under the Marrakech Declaration, which encourages countries to combat child labour through stronger political commitment, improved social protection measures, and effective enforcement of labour laws.
He said Nigeria is committed to implementing resolutions adopted at international conferences on child labour and supporting global initiatives aimed at protecting children from exploitation.
Highlighting worldwide advocacy efforts, Ademu referenced the symbolic “red card” campaign against child labour, describing it as a call for countries across the globe to take decisive action against the practice.
Despite ongoing efforts, he acknowledged that challenges such as weak law enforcement and limited access to rural communities continue to hinder progress. He added that child labour remains more prevalent in some remote areas, making monitoring and enforcement difficult.
The government, he said, is working with stakeholders to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and address structural challenges that contribute to child labour, with the goal of ensuring a safer and more secure future for Nigerian children.
