Unionizing young workers in Nigeria: A pathway from child labour to rights-based employment
Learn how trade unions in Nigeria are organizing young workers—many formerly in child labour—into formal employment and leadership. A good practice supported by the ILO to empower youth and expand union reach.
This document presents a promising trade union strategy led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), supported by the ILO’s ACCEL Africa project, to empower youth transitioning from child labour and informal work. By creating youth wings, integrating child labour themes into union actions, and expanding into informal sectors like agriculture, mining, and transport, trade unions have built a movement that offers education, leadership development, and social protection to young workers. The document outlines the process, results, and replicability of this youth-centred organizing model that strengthens union sustainability while tackling the root causes of child labour in Nigeria.