Nigeria joined the global community to raise a red card against child labour on June 12, 2026, as the Federal Government renewed its commitment to eliminating the menace by 2030 amid concerns that about 25 million Nigerian children are still engaged in child labour.
Global context and renewed commitment
The renewed commitment came as the International Labour Organisation disclosed that 138 million children worldwide remain trapped in child labour, including 54 million engaged in hazardous work, despite decades of interventions. At events marking the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour and on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, government officials, labour leaders and employers warned that weak enforcement of laws, poverty, inequality and inadequate social protection continue to fuel child labour in Nigeria and across the world.
National policy launch
Director of the Labour Inspectorate Department in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Magaji Ademu, said Nigeria remained fully committed to meeting the global target of ending child labour by 2030. He disclosed that the country’s National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan, developed with ILO support, would be launched in Abuja on June 16. According to him, the new framework is expected to strengthen the country’s response to child labour. “Our National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan have been validated with the support of the ILO and will be launched on June 16 in Abuja,” Ademu said. He admitted that weak enforcement mechanisms and limited access to rural communities hinder progress, adding: “We are strengthening enforcement mechanisms and addressing structural gaps that make implementation difficult.”
ILO campaign and global target
The ILO adopted the theme “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” aiming to mobilise governments, employers and workers through quality education, decent work, social protection and stronger enforcement. ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo said the world is at a critical point, noting that millions of children are still denied their rights to education and protection. He said with the 2025 deadline for SDG Target 8.7 now passed, the global community faces a critical juncture.
Scale of challenge in Nigeria
According to the 2022 Nigeria Child Labour Survey Report by the National Bureau of Statistics, about 25 million children (39.2 per cent of those aged 5-17) are engaged in child labour, with rural areas more affected (44.8 per cent). Children are predominantly exploited in the informal economy, including agriculture (cocoa farming), artisanal mining, and domestic work. Over 35 per cent of children in Ondo State are engaged in child labour.
Legal and enforcement gaps
Experts note that Nigeria’s minimum-age protections do not fully align with international standards, especially for self-employed or informal workers. Kano State does not prohibit using children in illicit activities. The country lacks legal provisions criminalising recruitment of children under 18 by non-state armed groups and has insufficient labour inspectors. Social programmes remain inadequate to prevent and remove children from worst forms of child labour, including armed conflict and commercial sexual exploitation. Conflicting minimum-age provisions exist: the Labour Act permits employment from age 12 under conditions, while the Child Rights Act and Universal Basic Education Act prohibit child labour for anyone under 18. Other concerns include no detailed hazardous work list, limited protection in the informal sector, and weak penalties.
Labour leaders' concerns
NLC President Joe Ajaero said poverty, inequality, weak enforcement and underfunded education push children into work. He urged full implementation of the Child Rights Act, free quality education, and expanded social protection. The TUC called for stronger enforcement and increased investment, while NECA reaffirmed commitment to responsible workplace practices. Stakeholders warned that achieving the 2030 target requires sustained political commitment, stronger institutions, adequate funding and coordinated action.
Mental health impact
Child labour has profound effects on mental health, including chronic stress, anxiety, depression and trauma, hindering emotional and cognitive development. Yet mental health considerations remain insufficiently integrated into anti-child labour policies.
