Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, emphasized the critical role Education plays in eradicating child labour during the presentation of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) 2022 forced labour survey. During a formal presentation at her office, Onyejeocha stated that it was morally wrong to deny any child the basic right to learning. The event, which included representatives from the National Steering Committee, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, ILO’s country representatives, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and the Federal Ministry of Education, underscored the urgent need to address child labour in Nigeria.
The ILO’s 2022 report revealed a troubling increase in child and forced labour in Nigeria. Over 62.9 million children aged 5-17 are trapped in various forms of child labour, translating to 39.2 percent of Nigerian children being forced to work. The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to this trend, further compounding the issue. Mrs. Abiola Victoria Arosanyin of the NBS presented a detailed breakdown of the child labour statistics, highlighting the most affected regions and demographics. She emphasized the urgent need for advocacy support from the minister on rural education and the implementation of National and State Action Plans to combat child labour.
Children’s future in Nigeria collective responsibility.
She stressed that a grassroots approach focused on Poverty alleviation would be most effective and sought the support of the Labour Ministry and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in driving this initiative forward. In response, Onyejeocha reiterated that education is a fundamental right that should not be denied to any child, regardless of their background or circumstances. She highlighted the importance of learning in shaping the future of individuals and society as a whole. She stressed that the eradication of child labour must be a priority for everyone, including parents, and that learning is the vital key to breaking this harmful cycle.
Onyejeocha shared her personal understanding of the issue, both as a parent and a champion of youth development. She stated, “The fight against child labour is a moral imperative, as it can have devastating consequences. It is our duty to ensure our children receive the instructions they deserve so they can thrive and create a brighter future for themselves and our society. Our children’s future is our collective responsibility, and I am committed to doing my part.” The minister assured the team of the government’s commitment to improving access to schooling for all Nigerians, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas. She said this move was part of a broader effort to address the country’s educational challenges and ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Basis for the right to education of children in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Constitution and several international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory uphold these rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that everyone has the right to education, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) emphasizes that schooling is a fundamental right for all children. Nigeria, as a member of the international community, is committed to ensuring that these rights are upheld. The Nigerian government has also implemented various policies to enhance access. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act 2004 mandates free, compulsory basic education for every Nigerian child. This act aims to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve Literacy rates across the country.
However, despite these efforts, millions of Nigerian children remain out of school due to factors such as poverty, cultural practices, and inadequate infrastructure. Denying children access to learning perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limits their opportunities for a better future. In Nigeria, the challenges to achieving universal literacy are significant. Poverty remains a major barrier, with many families unable to afford the costs associated with schooling, such as uniforms, books, and transportation. In rural areas, the distance to schools can be prohibitive, and in some regions, cultural practices prioritize child labour over education, particularly for girls.
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To address these challenges, it is essential to implement a multi-faceted approach that includes improving school infrastructure, providing financial support to families, and raising awareness about its importance. Community involvement is also crucial, as local leaders and organizations can play a significant role in promoting and supporting school initiatives. Onyejeocha’s emphasis on the moral imperative of learning and the government’s commitment to improving access is a step in the right direction. Ensuring that every Nigerian child receives an education is not only a legal obligation but also a moral duty that requires the collective efforts of the government, communities, and individuals.