Federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicate child labour by 2025, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The government has also pledged to align its efforts with the globally adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, joining 193 UN member states in a collective commitment to combat modern slavery, human trafficking, and the worst forms of child labour, including the use of child soldiers.
The minister of state for labour and employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, declared this in a statement issued to newsmen yesterday in Abuja at the 3rd National Children’s Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour.
The minister expressed appreciation for the support of international partners, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the government of the Netherlands, and the United States Government, in the fight against child labour and forced labour.
She said that despite the challenges, Nigeria has made significant progress in addressing child labour, including the ratification of ILO conventions and the establishment of the National Steering Committee on Child Labour.
Onyejiocha acknowledged the alarming global statistics on child labour and forced labour but expressed optimism that, with collective efforts, Nigeria can achieve its goal of ending child labour by 2025.
She said, “It is a global menace that has proven to potentially hinder the development of children, leading to lifelong physical and psychological damage, and keeping children out of school, thereby perpetuating poverty across generations.
“To address this challenge, Nigeria has made giant strides, including: the ratification of ILO conventions 138 on the minimum age for work, 182 on the worst forms of child labour, and Conventions 29 and 105 on the abolition of forced labour.
“In line with these conventions, Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, prohibits forced and compulsory labour, and defines penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or a combination of these sanctions for any employer found guilty.
“The review and validation of all relevant laws, regulations, and policies that are key and instrumental to the elimination of child labour; the national policy on child labour and the national action plan for the elimination of child labour for an implementation period of five years; the compendium of legal framework on the elimination of child labour and protection of children in Nigeria.
“The review of the labour standards bill to mainstream child labour, with special consideration of the adoption of 15 years as the minimum age for work and employment.
“The establishment and coordination of the National Steering Committee on Child Labour and the State Steering Committee on Child labour across the 36 federation states.”
She stated that Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, is a Pathfinder Country of Alliance 8.7-committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, target 8.7, to end child labour in all its forms by 2025, and forced labour and human trafficking by 2030.
She said the conference, themed “Let’s Act on Our Commitment: End Child Labour,” brought together stakeholders nationwide to strategise and renew their commitment to combating child labour.
She said with the support of all, Nigeria is determined to ensure that every child has access to education and a safe and secure environment, free from exploitation and labour.
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