Child Labour in Nigeria: 3 Dangerous Effects on Our Children

Child labour is increasing in Nigeria, and we do not seem to be aware of the effects on our children and society.

Definition of Child Labour

Child labour refers to the involvement of children below the age of 18 years, in economic activities that are harmful to their physical, mental and social development.

Normally, it robs children of their childhood by preventing them from having a suitable education and opportunities for a better life.

Now let us see what child labour looks like.

Forms of Child Labour

Child labour takes various forms, such as:

a. Agricultural labour: referring to children engaged in tasks like farming, livestock herding, and fishing.

b. Domestic labour: when children work as domestic helpers in households.

c. Street hawking: when children sell goods on the streets and highways.

d. Mining and quarrying: this involves hazardous mining and quarrying activities like granite.

e. Manufacturing industries: Children working in factories and industries like construction sites.

f. Commercial sex worker: when children are exploited sexually for financial rewards.

g. Child Soldiers: when they are used in armed conflict in exchange for incentives.

f. Informal sector: Children working in unregulated, low-paying jobs like restaurants.

It is essential to mention here that there is no problem with a child attempting to assist the family economically, for instance, helping a mother at the provision store. The emphasis is on ANY activity that poses a threat to the child’s well-being and development.

Unfortunately, the majority of Nigerian child labourers are engaged in harmful economic activities. The figures will shock you.

According to the most recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2023, an estimated 16 million Nigerian children between the ages of 5 and 17 are engaged in child labour. Out of this number, approximately 7 million children are involved in hazardous work, which threatens their well-being.

The truth is that for many years, Nigeria has been struggling with the issue of child labour and it has worsened over time.

The following factors are responsible for this.

Causes of Child Labour in Nigeria

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of child labour in Nigeria, including:

a. Poverty: When a family cannot feed itself and meet its basic needs, education becomes secondary. Everyone, including children, is expected to contribute to providing an income for the family’s survival.

b. Rural-Urban Migration: Many families have been forced to move to urban areas due to crisis or in search of better opportunities. In these densely populated cities, it is difficult to find stable jobs, leading to child labour as a coping mechanism.

c. High Unemployment Rates: Since there are few adult jobs available, children are forced into the workforce. Often, they are exploited for cheap labour.

e. Ineffective Laws and Enforcement: Child labour has continued in Nigeria because of the weak implementation of child labour laws. Nigeria has ratified the ILO’s Child Labour Convention 138 on the minimum age for admission to employment, and Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour. Sadly, the enforcement of these laws has been poor.

f. Harmful cultural and religious beliefs: In certain communities, child labour is seen as necessary for skill development.

The effects of child labour are a double-edged sword. It affects both the child and the society.

3 Dangerous Effects of Child Labour on Nigerian Children

a. Health Hazards: Children engaged in hazardous occupations suffer from physical injuries, exposure to toxins, and long-term health issues. Those working in mines, factories, and agricultural fields are exposed to dangerous substances, resulting in respiratory problems. Some workplace accidents may even result in death.

b. Limited Education: Child labour affects regular school attendance, leading to high dropout rates and limited access to education. This lack of education continues the cycle of poverty and deprives children of better future employment.

c. Psychological Impact: Child labourers often experience emotional distress due to harsh working conditions and neglect. House helps may suffer physical or sexual abuse. This can lead to a diminished sense of self-worth, depression and other mental health issues.

Effects on the Nigerian Economy

a. Loss of Human Capital: Child labour prevents children from reaching their full potential, thereby, robbing the country of a skilled workforce. This will hinder economic growth in the future.

b. Increase in social vices: when children are denied suitable education and suffer parental neglect, the outcomes include prostitution, robbery, cultism, drug abuse, thuggery, gambling and rape.

c. Reinforcement of Poverty: Child labour perpetuates the cycle of poverty by denying children the chance to escape low-income circumstances through education.

I am sure that we do not want these to happen. So, we have to solve these problems.

Solutions to Address Child Labour in Nigeria

The government is a major stakeholder in addressing this problem. It can do the following;

a. Implement Poverty Alleviation Programs: Implement social welfare programs targeting poor families to reduce their dependence on child labour income. It is poverty that causes many parents to put their children on the streets.

b. Strengthen Legal Framework: Existing laws against child labour should be enforced strictly. There should be severe punishments for those employing child labourers.

d. Conduct Awareness Campaigns: In partnership with international and local nonprofits, the government should create awareness campaigns to educate parents, communities, and employers about the harmful effects of child labour.

e. Establish Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms: Systems to monitor and report child labour cases should be set. This will ensure timely intervention and support for affected children.

f. Corporate Responsibility: Businesses should be encouraged to adopt child labour-free supply chain policies and held accountable for adhering to these guidelines.

In conclusion, combining these efforts will help alleviate the prevalence and impact of child labour on Nigerian children and ultimately contribute to the country's overall socio-economic development.