Nigeria is intensifying efforts to eliminate child labour in line with the global target of eradicating the practice by 2030, a Director in the Inspectorate Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Magaji Ademu, has said.
Ademu disclosed this on Wednesday in Geneva, Switzerland, during the ongoing 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC).
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the conference, Ademu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ending all forms of child labour and ensuring the protection of children’s rights.
He noted that key policy frameworks had been developed with the support of international partners to strengthen the country’s response to the challenge.
According to him, Nigeria’s National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan were validated with the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and are scheduled to be officially launched on 16 June in Abuja.
“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,” he said.
Ademu stressed that the government’s position aligns with global commitments under the Marrakech Declaration, which calls on countries to eradicate child labour through strong political commitment, social protection measures and effective enforcement of labour laws.
He explained that Nigeria had resolved to fully implement the resolutions adopted at international conferences on child labour.
Speaking on the need for sustained global advocacy, Ademu referred to the symbolic “red card” campaign against child labour, describing it as a collective call for action by all nations.
“We issued a red card on child labour across the world. This demonstrates that all countries should work towards its total eradication.
“We should not allow it to continue in our countries,” he said.
The director noted that the government, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, was strengthening enforcement mechanisms and addressing structural challenges in the fight against child labour nationwide.
He, however, acknowledged persistent obstacles, particularly weak enforcement of existing laws and the difficulty of reaching rural communities where child labour remains more prevalent.
Ademu expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and increased collaboration among stakeholders would accelerate progress towards achieving the 2030 target for the elimination of child labour.
