The Federal Government says it is intensifying efforts to eliminate child labour to meet the 2030 global target for its eradication.
Mr. Magaji Ademu, a Director in the Inspectorate Department of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, stated this on Wednesday in Geneva, Switzerland, at the ongoing 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC).
Addressing journalists on the sidelines of the conference, Ademu affirmed Nigeria’s full commitment to ending all forms of child labour.
He noted that key policy frameworks had been developed with international support.
Ademu explained that Nigeria’s National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan had been validated with the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
He disclosed that these documents would be officially launched on June 16 in Abuja.
“Our national child labour policy and national action plan were validated with the support of the ILO.
On the 16th of this month, as scheduled, they will be launched in Abuja,” he said.
Ademu emphasized that the government’s position aligns with global commitments under the Marrakech Declaration.
The declaration, according to him, urges all nations to eradicate child labour through strong political will, social protection, and effective law enforcement.
He explained that Nigeria has agreed to fully implement resolutions reached at the international conference on child labour.
Regarding global advocacy, he referred to the symbolic “red card” campaign against child labour, describing it as a collective call for worldwide action.
“We issued a red card on child labour globally. This shows that all countries should eradicate it completely in their respective nations.
We should not allow it to happen in our countries,” he said.
Ademu acknowledged significant challenges, particularly weak enforcement of laws and difficulties accessing rural communities where child labour practices are more prevalent.
He stated that the government and stakeholders are working to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and address structural gaps in the fight against child labour across Nigeria.
