Uniting All Efforts Against Child Labour

By Emmanuel Vidal

Just when you think of sending your child to hawk on the street, just when you think of a young domestic servant, just when you sign up your child for an apprenticeship instead of sending him to primary school remember; It's not enough to say children are the leaders of tomorrow when we still subject them to child labour.

Child labour refers to any form of exploitative employment of a child for work that deprives such child of his/her childhood, schooling, and is physically, mentally, socially, and morally deemed harmful

Since June 12, 2002 when it was first launched by The International Labour Organization (ILO), The World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL), has been observed every year internationally to campaign against child labour with the 2018 theme being: Generation Safe & Healthy.

As the Nigerian population grows through an increasing birthrate over mortality rate. The question; has the government paid adequate attention to child labour in terms of sensitisation and enforcement of the various  Acts against child labour lingers. The major players in this fight have over years been international organizations like United Nation (UN), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and several NGO's

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) 2017 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) says about 50.8 per cent of Nigerian children, ages between 5 and 17, are involved in child labour with the North taking the lead.

Among the low income Nigerians, forms of child labour rampant includes: domestic servant, street hawking, alms begging, commercial vehicles conducting, prostitution and farming amongst others with child slavery at the pinnacle of the pyramid.

Many parents who engage in this act give the excuse of high level of poverty and economic hardship resulting in the need for their children to supplement their little earnings. Yet the government sees no reason to roll out a law controlling the birthrate in the nation until Nigeria is capable of catering to her population.

This year as we mark World Day Again Child Labour(WDACL) it is imperative that we channel all efforts towards achieving a generation safe and healthy. Do not think it does not affect you. The children out there being subjected to child labour are a clear indication of a degenerating Nigeria.

Having a child labouring at the detriment of his/her education is same as ruining their future ever before it unveils.

Such children may not have the powers to defend themselves but we are a step closer to helping them if we organize campaigns and sensitisations in our spheres. The good news is you do not have to spend much as you can harness the powers of social media.