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Child Labour in Nigeria: Prometheus Still Bound

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Author: Agbeye Oburumu, January 20 2023 - Child labour is a pervasive problem in Nigeria that affects millions of children and perpetuates poverty and exploitation. The causes of child labour in Nigeria are complex and multifaceted, but poverty, a lack of education, and cultural norms are among the most significant factors.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), there were an estimated 8.7 million child labourers in Nigeria in 2019. This represents a staggering 20% of all children in the country. Many of these children are forced to work in the agricultural sector, particularly in the production of cocoa and other crops. They also work in the informal sector, including in markets, on the streets, and in the homes of others. Many are also employed in domestic work, which is often hidden and difficult to monitor.

Poverty is a major driver of child labour in Nigeria. Many families are unable to afford the costs of educating their children and may see child labour as a means of survival. In addition, many children in Nigeria have lost one or both parents, either through death or abandonment, and are forced to work in order to support themselves and their remaining family members. The high poverty rate and the lack of social protection in the country make it difficult for families to make ends meet and to afford the basic needs of their children.

Lack of education also plays a significant role in child labour in Nigeria. Many children who are forced to work are not in school, and those who do attend often do not have access to quality education. This lack of education makes it difficult for children to find better-paying jobs later in life and increases their likelihood of becoming trapped in a cycle of poverty and exploitation. In addition, the quality of education in Nigeria is not satisfactory, and the school dropout rate is high, which leads to children leaving school early and entering the labour force.

Cultural norms also contribute to the problem of child labour in Nigeria. Many people in Nigeria believe that it is normal for children to work and that it is a way for them to learn valuable skills and become responsible adults. This attitude is reinforced by the fact that many children begin working at a very young age and are able to contribute to their families' income. In addition, some traditional practises in Nigeria involve children working in certain sectors, such as apprenticeships in trade and farming.

To address the problem of child labour in Nigeria, a multifaceted approach is needed. This should include measures to reduce poverty, such as providing economic assistance to families and creating job opportunities for adults. In addition, efforts should be made to improve access to education, particularly for girls, and to provide quality education that is relevant to the needs of children in the country. Furthermore, addressing the issue of child labour requires a strong government commitment and a strong legal framework that criminalises child labour and provides protection for children.

Organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF have been working to combat child labour in Nigeria by providing education, vocational training, and microfinance to families with children in child labor, as well as working with local employers to improve working conditions and lobbying for legal reforms. The ILO also works with the government, employers, and workers to develop and implement policies and programmes that eliminate child labor.

In conclusion, child labour is a significant problem in Nigeria that affects millions of children and perpetuates poverty and exploitation. A comprehensive approach that addresses poverty, lack of education, and cultural norms is needed to effectively combat the problem and ensure that all children in Nigeria are able to live and work in safe and dignified conditions. It is important to remember that child labour is not only a violation of children's rights but also a barrier to their development and the development of the country as a whole.

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Image caption/credit: After school, Nasiba Alhassan (in pink hijab), age 12, hawks food along with other girls at a central location in Miga, Jigawa State, Nigeria. She gives the money to her mother to help the family make ends meet. Global Partnership for Education (GPE)/Kelley Lynch via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

As with all the blogs posted on our website, the content above does not imply the endorsement of The CI or its Partners and is from the perspective of the writer alone. We do not check facts and strive to retain the writer's voice, as is detailed in our Editorial Policy.