FG, ILO partner to launch child labour reporting website

By Ukpono Ukpong

The Federal Government in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the National Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child Labour, has launched a National Child Labour website and a child labour reporting app.

The initiative, unveiled yesterday, aims to enhance data collection, case management, and swift intervention in tackling child exploitation across the country.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, described the platform as a groundbreaking step in Nigeria’s fight against child labour.

She noted that despite Nigeria’s progress, millions of children remain vulnerable to exploitation.

According to her, the platform will serve as a centralized system where child labour cases can be reported instantly, enabling authorities and stakeholders to take immediate action.

“This initiative marks a new era of accountability, coordination, and swift intervention. Nigeria has made giant strides by ratifying ILO Conventions 138 and 182, which are instrumental to the elimination of child labour. We have also developed legal frameworks, national policies, and action plans, as well as community monitoring committees to combat this menace,” Onyejeocha stated.

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She commended the National Steering Committee on Child Labour (NSCCL), the ILO, and other stakeholders for their efforts in making the project a reality.

The minister also emphasized that the website and app align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7, which calls for immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition of the worst forms of child labour.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the ILO, Gilbert Houngbo, highlighted the gravity of child labour in Nigeria.

He revealed that 39% of Nigerian children, approximately 24.6 million, are engaged in child labour, particularly in agriculture and mining, often under exploitative conditions.

“Nigeria, as the economic powerhouse of the region, is at the center of this crisis. The launch of this digital platform is a bold step forward in bridging the gap in knowledge sharing and referrals. The website and app will serve as comprehensive tools for real-time reporting of child labour cases, promoting visibility and coordination of interventions,” Houngbo stated.

He praised Nigeria’s efforts in establishing a national referral mechanism for child labour elimination, which will guide the use of the new platform.

However, he stressed that the success of the initiative depends on collective action, urging government institutions, businesses, religious leaders, teachers, and community members to play an active role in protecting children from exploitation.

The Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Vanessa Phalla, also commended the National Steering Committee for its commitment to eradicating child labour.

She acknowledged the importance of collaboration in achieving the goal of a child-labour-free society.

“I really want to take this opportunity to thank each and every member of the steering committee. This would not have been possible without your contribution, commitment, and dedication. Eradicating child labour is a fundamental part of the ILO’s work, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” Phalla stated.