The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to eliminating child labour in Nigeria, emphasizing that every child, regardless of background, deserves education, protection, and a future free from exploitation.

Speaking at the 2025 Children’s Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour held in Abuja, Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammad Dingyadi, stressed the importance of preserving childhood. He stated that children are meant to enjoy their formative years through play, not be burdened with long hours of labour or heavy responsibilities.

“The government is resolute in protecting children’s rights,” Dingyadi affirmed, calling on stakeholders — including the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), and organized labour — to step up advocacy efforts.

He expressed satisfaction with a recent ILO and UNICEF report showing a global drop in child labour figures from 160 million to 138 million. “While this progress is encouraging, even one child in labour is one too many,” he said.

Imagining a better Nigeria, the minister envisioned a country where all children are in school, thriving and dreaming freely. “You have the right to learn, to play, and to dream — not to toil under harsh conditions,” he told the children present.

Dr. Dingyadi also assured the children that their voices matter and their ideas will help shape policies under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes quality education as a tool to end poverty and child labour.

Also speaking at the event, ILO Country Director Dr. Vanessa Phala decried the ongoing prevalence of child labour, noting that millions of children still engage in unsafe and exploitative work.

Citing findings from the new Global Estimates on Child Labour by ILO and UNICEF, Phala noted a 22 million drop in children aged 6-17 involved in hazardous labour. Despite this progress, she called for intensified action and swift passage of the revised Labour Standards Bill, which aligns Nigeria’s laws with international labour standards.

“Nigeria has ratified key international laws against child labour, but enforcement must be strengthened,” she said.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the urgency of the issue. “Millions of Nigerian children remain out of school and trapped in exploitative conditions in markets, streets, farms, and workshops,” he said.

He urged all tiers of government to fully implement and enforce the Child Rights Act nationwide and ensure access to free, quality education for every child.