In a bold declaration of commitment to Nigeria’s youngest citizens, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to eliminate child labour nationwide, insisting that every child — regardless of background — deserves the right to education, protection, and a future free from exploitation.
Speaking at the 2025 Children’s Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour in Abuja on Monday, Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammad Dingyadi, emphasized the urgent need to accelerate efforts to protect Nigerian children from abuse and forced labour.
The conference, themed “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts,” brought together key stakeholders, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), organised labour, and hundreds of school children — the very voices the event aimed to empower.
“Children were divinely created to enjoy their adolescent years through play,” Dr. Dingyadi said. “They have a right to dream, to be safe, to go to school — not to carry heavy loads, work long hours or be trapped in hardship.”
He lauded the recent global report by the ILO and UNICEF, which revealed a drop in the number of children involved in child labour from 160 million to 138 million worldwide — a decline of 22 million. Dingyadi proudly noted that Nigeria contributed to this progress but stressed that the work is far from over.
“Even one child in child labour is one too many,” he declared. “Imagine a Nigeria where every child is in school, learning and becoming the best version of themselves — not working in streets, markets or farms under harsh conditions. That is the Nigeria we are working to build.”
He called on all stakeholders — government agencies, private sector leaders, civil society groups, and international partners — to unite and intensify advocacy and enforcement. He also assured the children present that their voices matter and would help shape national policies.
“We believe in your ideas,” he told them. “And we will use them to build a legacy that ensures your dreams come true.”
Dingyadi further reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s support for child welfare through the Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that education remains the most powerful weapon against the cycle of poverty and child labour.
Dr. Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, echoed this message. While acknowledging the progress made, she lamented the persistence of exploitative practices.
“Millions of children are still exposed to unsafe, exploitative and hazardous work,” she said. “Nigeria must intensify enforcement, particularly by passing the revised Labour Standards Bill to align the country’s labour laws with global standards.”
She noted that though there has been a decline of over 100 million children in child labour globally since 2000, population growth and weak enforcement continue to challenge gains.
Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), also delivered a passionate plea for urgent action.
“Millions of Nigerian children are still out of school and trapped in exploitative labour — on our streets, in farms, markets, and workshops,” Ajaero stated. “We cannot build decent work in Nigeria while children are denied their childhood, forced to work under inhumane conditions.”
He called for full implementation of the Child Rights Act across all states and urged government at all levels to guarantee access to free, quality education.
As Nigeria joins the global campaign to end child labour, the message from the 2025 Children’s Conference was clear: progress is underway, but more must be done — and faster. For the sake of every child’s right to safety, learning, and dreams, the time to act is now.