The federal government has called on Nigerians to take the fight against child labour and forced labour as a collective responsibility for the citizenry.

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, made the call at the third edition of the National Children Conference, held on Thursday in Abuja, to mark the elimination of child labour.

The conference was also organised in commemoration of the 2024 World Day Against Child with the theme, ”Let’s Act on our Commitments to End Child Labour”.

According to Ms Onyejeocha, statistics showed 160 million children worldwide, or one in 10, are engaged in child labour.

“About 25 million adults and children are in forced labour, including in global supply chains.

“It is a global menace that has proven to potentially hinder the development of children, leading to lifelong physical and psychological damage,” the minister said.

She added, ”Also keeping the children out of school, thereby perpetuating poverty across generations.”

Ms Onyejeocha further urged Nigerians to “take ownership in the fight against child labour and forced labour” and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights.

She said that to address the challenges of child labour, Nigeria had made giant strides in ratifying the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions 138 on the minimum age for work and 182 on the worst forms of child labour, among others.

The minister added that the labour standard bill to mainstream child labour was being reviewed, with special consideration given to adopting 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 said.

Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director to Nigeria, called for the passage of the Labour Standard Bill, which would eliminate child labour in the country.

Speaking, Olaitan Olaolu, Director of the Inspectorate Department, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said the conference was appropriate for eliminating child labour in the country.

(NAN)