FG Must Act Fast, End Child Labour – First Lady

First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, has called on the federal government and all stakeholders to accelerate efforts to end child labour across the country, describing the situation as unacceptable and detrimental to the future of Nigeria’s children.

In a statement to mark the World Day Against Child Labour 2025, observed globally on June 12, Mrs Tinubu said it was disheartening that millions of children are still being denied their childhood and education due to forced labour.

This year’s commemoration theme is “Let’s Speed Up Efforts! End Child Labour!”

“Today, we raise our voices for millions of children whose dreams are stolen by the harsh reality of child labour,” she said.

“It is unacceptable that children are still forced to work instead of going to school, pursuing their dreams, and learning how to grow into productive members of society.”

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She urged government institutions, civil society, community leaders, and families to work together to tackle the root causes of child labour, including poverty and lack of access to education.

“Let us speed up efforts to end child labour in all ramifications by strengthening our laws, supporting families, and investing in quality education for every child,” she said.

The first lady stressed that child labour robs children of their potential and undermines national development, warning that no society can thrive if its future leaders are trapped in hardship and exploitation.

“I urge us to work towards building a country where every child is free to thrive, dream, and reach their God-given potential,” she added.

Mrs Tinubu concluded by calling on all Nigerians to see the protection of children as a collective responsibility, adding, “God bless our precious children!”

World Day Against Child Labour is commemorated annually on June 12 to raise awareness and promote action to eliminate child labour globally. Despite international conventions and national laws prohibiting it, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that over 160 million children are still engaged in child labour, with sub-Saharan Africa recording the highest numbers.