The Federal Government on Thursday warned that keeping children out of school was one quick way to create generational poverty.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha gave the warning at the third edition of the National Children Conference to mark the elimination of Child Labour in Abuja.
The conference was organised in commemoration of the World Day Against Child 2024 with the theme, “Let’s Act on our Commitments to End Child Labour”.
Onyejeocha who urged Nigerians to take ownership of the fight against child labour and forced labour in the country, pledged to ensure every child was enrolled and in school.
She said: “It is a global menace that has proven to potentially hinder the development of children, leading to lifelong physical and psychological damage. Also keeping the children out of school, thereby perpetuating poverty across generations.
“I humbly encourage everyone to take ownership in the fight against child labour and forced labour, and ensure the protection of the rights of citizens.”
The Minister however disclosed that the Nigerian government has made giant strides in the ratification of the ILO Convention138 on the minimum age for work, as well as Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour, among others.
According to her, there was an ongoing review of the Labour Standard Bill to mainstream child labour, with special consideration on the adoption of 15 years as the minimum age for work/employment.
“I am here today to assure you that the situation of Child Labour will not continue. “I promise to use my good office to reach out to all those in authority to ensure that all Nigerian children will go to school and remain in school,” she added.
The ILO Country Director to Nigeria, Dr Vanessa Phala, urged the Nigerian government to expedite action and pass the Labour Standard Bill to help eliminate completely, the issue of child labour in the country.
Represented by ILO’s Project Coordinator on Child Labour, Dr Agatha Kolawole, she said children equally have an active role to play in pushing the advocacy against child labour.
Also speaking, the Head of Abuja Corporate Office, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association(NECA), Mrs Judith Tietie, noted that the Association would continue to educate employers on the importance of not employing children in the working environment.
“We as employers, have recognised our responsibilities and to create an environment where every child will drive and grow to their full potential.
“We have also realised that making children work when they are young weakens the labour force of the economy that is why the issue of child labour must be eradicated.”