AKOR SYLVESTER-Abuja
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have redoubled efforts to eliminate child labour in west African region as the practice remains a challenge in the region.
This determination brought together in the nation’s capital, the leaders, experts and stakeholders in West African States to strategies in order to end the menace.
Speaking at the First Annual Review Meeting of ECOWAS Child Labour Focal Points which ended at the weekend in Abuja, the minister of state for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha expressed concern over the alarming rate of child labour in West African region, calling for urgent action among the member states to tackle the challenges.
She said Child labour, particularly in the agricultural sector, remains a significant challenge across West Africa.
According to the Minister, Agriculture accounts for a substantial share of child labour globally, saying African region is no exception.
She said Children work long hours under
hazardous conditions, depriving them of their right to education, health, and a childhood free from exploitation.
The minister lamented that forced labour continues to pose a
grave concern, with vulnerable individuals coerced into exploitative work arrangements.
She noted that the practices undermined the development of the nations, perpetuate cycles of poverty, and violate basic human rights.
The minister stated that “the factors driving child labour and forced labour are multifaceted, including poverty, limited access to quality education, socio-economic instability, and weak enforcement of labour laws.
“Addressing these issues requires a coordinated, holistic, and sustained effort at local, national, and regional levels.
“The Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, has created an enabling environment for the elimination of child
labour and forced labour, by the ratification of the key and instrumental ILO Conventions and the setting up of structures as follows:
“The ILO Conventions 138 on the minimum age for work and 182 on the worst forms of child labour; development and validation of the phase II of the National Policy on Child Labour and the National Action Plan (NAP) for the elimination of child labour as well as the adoption of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan (RAP);review of the Labour Standard Bill ( the Labour Act) to mainstream child labour, with special consideration for 15 years as the minimum age for employment, aligned with international labour standards; National Steering Committee on Child Labour (NSCCL) at the Federal level”.
The minister said “the meeting is a testament to our collective resolve to safeguard the fundamental rights of children and vulnerable individuals, ensuring a future where no one is subjected to exploitative practices”.
She commended the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the international Labour Organization (ILO), through the Action Against Child Labour in
Agriculture in West Africa (ACLAWA) Project for organizing the meeting.
“Your unwavering dedication to addressing these pressing issues reaffirms our commitment to fostering a just and equitable region. I wish to also appreciate all the child labour experts that are here today from different countries in the
ECOWAS region, those visiting Nigeria for the first time and those who have been here before now, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, I welcome you all to Nigeria”, she said .
Speaking, the Director, ILO country office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and liaison office for ECOWAS, Vanessa Phala said “the latest global estimates reveal that 160 million children remain trapped in child labour, a heartbreaking gure that underscores the urgency of our mission. Sub-Saharan Africa, home to many of our Member States, bears a disproportionate burden of this crisis
“This calls for intensified, collaborative action across borders, sectors, and communities to create a future where every child is free to learn, grow, and thrive”.
She said ILO has been a proud ally in this journey, supporting Member States through initiatives such as the ACCEL Africa, GALLAB, FMM West Africa and ACLAWA projects.
The ILO country Director said “ACCEL Africa targets child labour in high-risk sectors and
the development of National Action Plans on child labour.
“These actions, alongside capacity-building workshops and regional consultations, are equipping stakeholders with the tools needed to implement sustainable
solutions.
“Through the ACLAWA project, communities are being empowered to take ownership in the fight against child labor.
“We have established Community Child Labour Monitoring Committees, enabling local leaders to monitor, report, and mitigate child labor within their communities. These committees are strengthened through training and resources, have become the =rst line of defense in identifying and addressing child labor at its source.
“As we deliberate on progress at this meeting, I encourage us to re?ect onkey priorities:
“Strengthening legal and policy frameworks: Aligning national
laws with international labour standards is critical to ensuring a unified approach across the region.
“Enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems: Reliable data is essential to measure progress, identify gaps, and re=ne strategies for maximum impact.
“Promoting sustainable livelihoods: Addressing the root causes of child labour, such as poverty and lack of access to education, requires
investing in social protection, skills development, and economic opportunities for families.
“Fostering multi-sectoral collaboration: Governments, employers, workers, civil society, and international partners must work hand-in-hand to scale up interventions and amplify their reach”.
