Child Labour: NECA calls for accelerated action in Nigeria

With Africa leading in continents with high numbers of child labour, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), yesterday at the ongoing 113 International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland has called for accelerated, sustained, and collective action to eliminate child labour in Nigeria and across Africa.
Every June 12 is celebrated as the World Day Against Child Labour. The new ILO-UNICEF report shows that Sub-Saharan Africa continues carry the heaviest burden, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all children in child labour – around 87 million.
Recalls that Nigeria three years ago were indicted at the ILC for involvement in child labour, which was defended by the then Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige during his address to the Conference.
The Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, speaking on the sideline of the conference on the 2025 World Day Against Child Labour which holds June 12 every year said the theme: “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts!” was apt for this year’s celebration.
He noted that June 12 presents a critical opportunity to remember the plight of underaged children trapped in hazardous and exploitative labour conditions.
The Director General lamented that despite Nigeria’s ratification of key international conventions—including ILO Convention No. 138 on Minimum Age and Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour—millions of Nigerian children continue to engage in dangerous work, sacrificing their health, education, and future potential.
“Child labour not only robs children of their childhood, it erodes the foundation of national development,” he said.
“While we have made commendable progress, we must accelerate our efforts. We need to move from intention to action through stronger enforcement, greater investment in education, and robust support systems for vulnerable families.”
Oyerinde highlighted the ACCEL Africa Project, a strategic partnership between NECA and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), as a critical platform in addressing the root causes of child labour in Nigeria and other African countries.
The ACCEL project focuses on promoting decent work, enhancing livelihoods, and ensuring that communities most at risk are empowered to break the cycle of poverty and child labour.
He further urged all stakeholders—government at all levels, employers, workers, and civil society—to deepen collaboration and strengthen the enforcement of existing labour laws.
He also called for the passage of the reviewed labour laws which address the participation of children in workplaces.
“As employers, we have a responsibility to ensure that our operations, polices and supply chains are free from child exploitation. We must integrate child protection into business practices and actively contribute to the broader goal of youth empowerment and national development,” Mr. Oyerinde emphasized.
He reiterated NECA’s steadfast commitment to promoting responsible business conduct and decent work.
“Let us act with urgency and unity to protect the rights and dignity of every Nigerian child. The progress is clear, but there is much more to be done. Let act on our Commitment and end Child Labour,” he stressed.