FG committed to ending child labour by 2030 — Official

Nigeria is committed to eradicating all forms of child labor by 2030, a goal that aligns with international targets. Mr. Magaji Ademu, Director of the Labour Inspectorate Department at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, stated this on Wednesday during the ongoing 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ademu announced that Nigeria has developed key policy frameworks with international support, including its National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan, which have been validated with assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO). These crucial documents are scheduled to be officially launched in Abuja on June 16. "Our national child labour policy and national action plan were validated with the support of the ILO. On the 16th of this month, as scheduled, they will be launched in Abuja," Ademu confirmed.

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Our national child labour policy and national action plan were validated with the support of the ILO. On the 16th of this month, as scheduled, they will be launched in Abuja.

The government's position is consistent with global commitments, such as the Moriakishi Declaration, which urges nations to eliminate child labor through strong political will, social protection, and effective law enforcement. Nigeria has pledged to fully implement the resolutions adopted at the international conference on child labor. Ademu also referenced the global "red card" campaign against child labor as a symbolic call for worldwide action, stating, "We issued a red card on child labour in the whole world. This shows that all countries should eradicate it totally in their various countries."

Despite these commitments, Ademu acknowledged significant hurdles hindering progress. These include weak enforcement of existing laws and challenges in accessing rural communities, where child labor practices are often more prevalent. The government, in collaboration with stakeholders, is actively working to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and address structural gaps in the ongoing fight against child labor across the country.

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We issued a red card on child labour in the whole world. This shows that all countries should eradicate it totally in their various countries. We should not allow it to happen in our countries.