By Joan Nwagwu
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to take the fight against child labour and forced labour in the country as a collective responsibility for the citizenry.
Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, made the call at the third edition of the National Children Conference to mark the elimination of child labour on Thursday in Abuja.
The Conference was also organised in commemoration of the 2024 World Day Against Child with the theme,”Let’s Act on our Commitments to End Child Labour”.
According to Onyejeocha, we all are aware, the current global statistics shows that 160 million children, nearly one in 10 worldwide are engaged in child labour,.
“About 25 million adults and children are in forced labour, including in global supply chains.
“It is a global menace that has proven to potentially hinder the development of children, leading to a lifelong physical and psychological damage.
”Also keeping the children out of school, thereby perpetuating poverty across generations.
“I humbly encourage everyone to take ownership in the fight against child labour and forced labour, and ensure the protection of the rights of citizens,” the minister said.
She said to address the challenges of child labour, Nigeria had made giant strides in the ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions 138 on the minimum age for work, 182 on the worst forms of child labour, among others.
She also added that there was an ongoing review of the labour standard bill to mainstream child labour, with special consideration on the adoption of 15 years as the minimum age for work/employment.
“I am here today to assure you that the situation of Child Labour will not continue.
“I promise to use my good office to reach out to all those in authority to ensure that all Nigerian children will go to school and remain in school,” she said.
Dr Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director to Nigeria, called on children to be part of the advocacy against child labour.
Phala, represented by Dr Agatha Kolawole, ILO Project Coordinator on Child Labour, also called for the passage of the Labour Standard Bill as its passage would completely eliminate the issue of child labour in the country.
Speaking, Mrs Olaitan Olaolu, Director of Inspectorate Department, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said the conference was apt towards the elimination of child labour in the country.
Also, Mrs Judith Tietie, Head Abuja Corporate Office, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) said they would continue to educate employers on the importance of not employing children in the working environment.
“We as employers, we have recognised our responsibilities and to create an environment where every child will drive and grow to their full potential.
” We have also realised that making children work when they are young weaken the labour force of the economy that is why the issue of child labour must be eradicated,” she said.
Some of the children called on the Federal Government to do all that was possible to eliminate the menace.
Ms Esther Bassey, National Representative of the FCT Children Parliament, called on government to take decisive action in ending child labour in the country.
“We want them to act on their commitment, we want them to put all those promises in place and execute it so that it will be beneficial to all the children on the streets,” she said.