The Federal Government has urged state governors to take ownership of the fight against child labour and forced labour, particularly at the state and local levels. This call was made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, during the official launch of the Nigeria Child Labour and Forced Labour Survey Report 2022 in Abuja.
The survey, conducted in April 2022, aims to provide improved information on forced labour and child labour through data collection. This data will inform policy direction and interventions towards the elimination of child labour and forced labour in Nigeria.
Onyejeocha emphasized that child labour and forced labour are more prevalent at the state and local government levels, highlighting the need for concerted effort and commitment from state governors to protect the rights of citizens. She encouraged governors to take ownership of the fight against child labour and assured continued federal support in policy formulation and implementation.
The minister stressed the importance of collective action and intensified collaboration among stakeholders at all levels to drive effective policy actions towards eliminating child labour and forced labour. She reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and urged concerted efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8.7, which aims to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery, and eliminate child labour in all its forms by 2025.