Nigeria Pledges Urgent Action to End Child Labour Ahead of 2030 Target
The Federal Government has restated its commitment to protecting the child’s right to survival and development as it intensifies efforts to eliminate child labour ahead of the 2030 global target.
Officials say the renewed push is aimed at strengthening protection systems that safeguard children from exploitation and improve their chances of survival, education, and healthy development.
Speaking in Geneva, Switzerland, at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference, a director in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Magaji Ademu, said Nigeria remains committed to ending all forms of child labour.
He explained that national frameworks, including the National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan, have been developed with support from the International Labour Organisation and validated for implementation.
According to him, the documents will be formally launched in Abuja on June 16, marking a new phase in national efforts to protect children from harmful labour practices.
Ademu said Nigeria’s commitments align with global agreements under the Marrakech Declaration, which calls for stronger political will, social protection systems, and enforcement of laws that protect children.
From a child rights perspective, stakeholders argue that child labour directly threatens survival rights by exposing children to hazardous conditions, poor health outcomes, and interrupted development.
However, officials acknowledged ongoing challenges, including weak enforcement and limited access to rural communities where child labour remains widespread.
The government says it is working with partners to strengthen monitoring systems and close gaps that allow children to remain vulnerable to exploitation, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
