Nigeria Launches Child Labour Website, Reporting App

The Nigerian Government has launched the Child Labour Website and Reporting App as part of its efforts to eliminate child labour in the country.

The launch event, held at the UN House in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, the ILO, and members of the National Steering Committee on Child Labour.

During the launch event in Abuja, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, called for cooperation among all stakeholders to combat the issue.

Represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Dingyadi stated that the digital platform would serve as a central hub for reporting child labour cases in real time, enabling authorities and stakeholders to take swift action.

He noted that the platform, developed by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the National Steering Committee on Child Labour (NSCCL), represents a significant step towards improving accountability, coordination, and prompt intervention in tackling the issue.

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FG SEEKS COLLABORATION TO ERADICATE CHILD LABOUR IN NIGERIA

The Federal Government has appealed for collaboration by all stakeholders to eradicate the menace of child labour in Nigeria.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi made this… pic.twitter.com/WeP0gfdlnr

— Federal Ministry of Labour (@LabourMinNG) February 14, 2025

Describing the platform as a “ground-breaking initiative” in the fight against child labour, Dingyadi said:

“As you are aware, child labour is a menace that robs Nigerian children of their future. However, Nigeria has made giant strides to address this challenge through the ratification of ILO Conventions 138 and 182, which are instrumental to the elimination of child labour. Other measures include the development of a legal framework addressing child labour, the National Policy and National Action Plan on its elimination, and the establishment of structures such as Steering Committees at the national, state, and local government levels, as well as community monitoring committees on child labour, amongst other interventions.

“Despite our progress, however, millions of Nigerian children remain vulnerable to exploitation.”

He further explained that the website and app would not only enhance data collection and case management but also reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to eradicating child labour in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7, which urges nations to:

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“Take immedi:ate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition of the worst forms of child labour.”

Dingyadi urged all stakeholders—including government agencies, civil society, employers, workers, and the public—to make full use of the platform, stressing the need for collective action to ensure that every Nigerian child enjoys a childhood free from exploitation and a future filled with opportunities.

Earlier, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo stated that the National Child Labour Website and Reporting App would enhance the visibility of child labour interventions and strengthen collaboration between the government and its partners, including the ILO.

He highlighted the platform’s role as a central hub for data collection and knowledge sharing, reinforcing efforts to eliminate child labour.

Houngbo also emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in tackling child labour, stating:

“The success of this initiative depends not only on government and institutional action but also on the vigilance and commitment of everyone.”