Nigeria commemorates 2024 world day against child labour with nationwide events

Abuja, Nigeria - June 27, 2024 - Nigeria recently observed the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) with a series of impactful events aimed at addressing the urgent issue of child labour in the country. The theme for this year's commemoration, "Let's Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour," underscored the need for continuous and effective actions towards eradicating child labour, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of ILO Convention 182.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National/State Steering Committee on the elimination of child labour, spearheaded the commemoration activities. These initiatives were supported by the ILO projects ACCEL Africa funded by the Government of the Netherlands and ACLAWA and GALAB projects, funded by the US Department of Labour.

© ILO Nigeria

© ILO Nigeria

National children's conference on the elimination of child labour

On June 27, 2024, Abuja hosted the third edition of the National Children's Conference on the elimination of child labour. This one-day hybrid event brought together Nigerian children and key stakeholders to discuss the challenges and solutions in eliminating child labour, guided by the findings of the 2022 National Child Labour Survey Report.

The Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Nkieruka, Onyejeocha OON, in her address to the children at the conference made a firm commitment to advocate at the national and sub-national levels for the for the eradication of child labour in the country. She shared her personal experience of the challenging childhood and how inspite of all the odds she gave priority to education and eventually fulfilled her dreams. The conference featured engaging activities, including drama, recitations, and presentations by the children. Former child labourers shared their testimonies, providing powerful insights into their experiences. The event concluded with a communique led by the Speaker of the Children's Parliament, outlining the necessary interventions to reduce children's vulnerability to exploitation.

On commemoration of this important date, the ILO also meet with the Minister of State to discuss the concerning issues of Child labour in the country, the results of the Nigeria Child Labour and Forced Labour Reports.

State-level activities

Various states also conducted their own events to commemorate WDACL. In Osun State, the ACCEL Africa project launched campaigns and awareness programs in Aiyeoba, Yekemi, Olode, Idoka, and Igun communities. These initiatives aimed to educate local populations about the dangers of child labour and promote community-level interventions.

In Niger State, the ACCEL Africa project in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment at the State – level, organized a road walk, sensitization sessions on the NBS Survey on Child Labour, and advocacy efforts in the capital city, Minna, Niger State. These activities highlighted the prevalence of child labour in the mining sector and promoted measures to protect children from exploitation.

In conclusion, the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour in Nigeria was marked by a series of significant events that brought together various stakeholders in a united effort to combat child labour. The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) created a video clip of the President, Director General, Managers of Member Companies and staff. The video clip was an advocacy tool to further create awareness through the strong statements encouraging the organised private sector to run responsible businesses and shun child labour. The theme, "Let's Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour," served as a powerful reminder of the need for ongoing action and collaboration to create a future free from child labour. With the continued support of the ILO, government agencies, and civil society, Nigeria is poised to make meaningful strides towards eliminating child labour and ensuring a brighter future for all children.