Federal Govt Seeks Stakeholders Synergy Against Child Labour 

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment yesterday called for collaborative efforts in need to eradicate child labour in Nigeria.

The call was made in Abuja during activities to mark this year’s World Day Against Child Labour with the theme, “Social Justice for All: End Child Labour.”

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO ), over 15 million Nigerian children are engaged in child labour, mostly across agricultural, artisanal and mining sector.

At a road walk in awareness campaign against child labour in Abuja, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Kachollom Daju called on state, local governments to form synergy with stakeholders to ensure the elimination of child labour in Nigeria.

She said the ministry will continue active collaboration with relevant stakeholders to develop and implement collective strategies that contribute to the eradication of child labour.

“We come to realise that over 15 million children engage in forced labour and sometimes the worst form and in hazardous climates which is not good for them, she said.

According to her the federal government is committed to engage in advocacy interventions to encourage government (Federal and States) and policymakers to enact and enforce legislation that protects children from exploitation and ensures access to quality education while providing support to grassroots organizations and implement initiatives dedicated to combating child labour, rehabilitation and empowerment of child labour victims and vulnerable households.

She added that the government will provide support to grassroots organisations and implement initiatives dedicated to combating child labour, rehabilitation and empowerment of child labour victims and vulnerable households.

Speaking at the event, executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu renewed commitment to advancing social justice while creating a world where every child will be free to embrace the joys of childhood and education for a brighter future.