Child labour in Nigeria

Nigeria
Flag
Capital	Abuja
Largest city	Lagos
Official languages	English
Population
• Estimate	211 million
Currency	Naira (₦)

Child labour in Nigeria is a significant social issue that affects millions of children across the country. Despite various efforts to curb the practice, economic, social, and cultural factors continue to drive children into the workforce at a young age.

Overview

Child labour refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and is mentally, physically, socially, or morally harmful. In Nigeria, child labour is prevalent in both urban and rural areas, with children engaged in various forms of work, including agriculture, street vending, domestic service, and mining.

Causes

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of child labour in Nigeria:

• Poverty: Many families rely on the income generated by their children to meet basic needs. With over 40% of the population living below the poverty line, child labour becomes a survival strategy.

• Lack of access to education: Inadequate educational facilities and high costs associated with schooling force many children out of school and into the workforce.

• Cultural practices: In some communities, it is culturally acceptable for children to work, and this norm perpetuates the cycle of child labour.

• Weak enforcement of laws: Although Nigeria has laws prohibiting child labour, enforcement is often weak due to corruption and lack of resources.

Impact

Child labour has severe consequences on the health, education, and overall development of children. It exposes them to hazardous conditions, limits their educational opportunities, and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.

Government and NGO Efforts

The Nigerian government, along with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has implemented several initiatives to combat child labour:

• Legislation: The Nigerian Labour Act and the Child Rights Act set the minimum age for employment and outline the rights of children.

• Education programs: Efforts to improve access to education, such as the Universal Basic Education program, aim to reduce child labour by keeping children in school.

• Awareness campaigns: NGOs conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities about the negative impacts of child labour and the importance of education.

Challenges

Despite these efforts, challenges remain:

• Economic instability: Fluctuating economic conditions make it difficult for families to forego the income generated by child labour.

• Cultural resistance: Changing long-standing cultural norms is a slow process that requires sustained effort.

• Resource limitations: Both the government and NGOs often face resource constraints that limit the scope and effectiveness of their programs.

Also see

• Child labour
• Human rights in Nigeria
• Education in Nigeria
• Poverty in Nigeria