FG Reiterates Commitment To Eradicate Child Labour
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating child labour in the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ms Kachollom Daju, said this at the end of a road walk to commemorate the 2023 World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) on Monday in Abuja.
The theme of the 2023 World Child Labour Day is “Social Justice For All. End Child Labour”.
The event was organised by the ministry in collaboration with the National Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child Labour (NSCCL).
Daju said that the day was aimed at reinvigorating international action to achieve social justice with the elimination of Child Labour as one of its key elements.
According to her, the federal government recognises the importance of addressing the issue of child labour and reiterates its commitment to eradicating the menace.
“Child Labour is a grave concern that affects millions of children worldwide, denying them of their fundamental rights to education, health, mental and moral development and a childhood free from all forms of exploitation.
“In Nigeria, it is estimated that over 43 per cent of Nigerian children aged between five and 11 years are involved in economic activities, including being engaged in the worst forms of child labour,” she said.
Hazardous conditions
The Permanent Secretary, while quoting the 2016 – 2017 MICS Survey, said that 39 per cent of children involved in child labour work under hazardous conditions.
She said that this includes quarrying granite, artisanal mining, commercial sexual exploitation, armed conflict, and sometimes victims of human trafficking.
Daju added that 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.
She said that the WDACL serves as a reminder that the fight against child labour requires sustained efforts and collective action of the whole society.
“The commitment of the federal government of Nigeria in contributing to the global fight against child labour and its worst forms is evidenced in interventions, programmes, activities and partnerships.
“The adoption and ratification of ILO Conventions No.138 and No.182, enactment of the Child Rights Act to domesticate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, among others,” she said.
The permanent secretary further said the ministry intends to continue the active collaboration with relevant stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that contribute to the eradication of child labour.
Fundamental Rights
In a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Anthony Ojukwu said that data had revealed the harsh reality of child labour in Nigeria.
Ojukwu, represented by the Director, Women and Children in the commission, Mrs Grace Pam said the exploitation of children deprives them of their fundamental rights, creating a cycle of poverty, illiteracy and vulnerability.
He said that the NHRC recognises that its duty extends beyond this day of commemoration.
“Our commitment lies in advocating for policies that safeguard the rights of children, working alongside governmental bodies and stakeholders to enforce legislation that effectively combats child labour and promotes education, protection and empowerment.
“The commission is a statutory body mandated to promote and protect human rights, our involvement is instrumental in addressing the challenges posed by child labour and championing the rights and well-being of children across the nation,” he said.
The ILO Country Director to Nigeria, Ms Vanessa Phala, said that the organisation would continue to support policies, programmes of the government to ensure that child labour is eradicated.
NAN
