The Federal Government has called on the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), labour unions, and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to eliminate child labour in Nigeria.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Muhammadu Dingyadi, made the appeal on Tuesday at an event in Abuja marking the 2025 World Day Against Child Labour and a special children’s conference. The theme of this year’s observance was, “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts.”
Citing a recent ILO and UNICEF report that shows a global drop in child labour figures—from 160 million to 138 million—Dingyadi welcomed the progress but warned that “even one child in child labour is one too many.”
He called for a renewed national vision in which every Nigerian child is in school, not at work; playing, not toiling; dreaming, not struggling.
Addressing the children present, he encouraged them to produce a strong communiqué that could influence future policy. He pledged the Ministry’s full support and referenced President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating, “Education is the most powerful weapon to break the cycle of poverty and child labour.”
Dingyadi also acknowledged the contributions of the ILO, ECOWAS, NECA, NLC, TUC, and other ministries, saying, “Together, we are building a legacy of protection and opportunity for our children.”
Speaking at the event, ILO Country Director Dr. Vanessa Phala noted that despite the progress, millions of Nigerian children remain engaged in hazardous work. She stressed the urgency of sustained and coordinated action.
Dr Phala called on the National Assembly, Ministry of Labour, and stakeholders to expedite the passage of the reviewed Labour Standards Bill to harmonise Nigeria’s legal framework with international labour standards and improve social justice outcomes.
