Nigeria child labour and protection initiatives

The Nigerian government has established the elimination of child labour as a primary national development priority. Following the release of the 2024 National Child Labour Survey Report, which identified millions of children working in hazardous sectors such as agriculture, mining, and construction, the administration launched the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour 2026–2030.

To address the root causes of exploitation, including poverty and inadequate education, the government intends to strengthen labour inspections and utilize the Renewed Hope National Home Grown School Feeding Programme to support school attendance.

In subsequent efforts, the Federal Government and UNICEF have emphasized the need for accountability and evidence-based strategies. Officials have called for a shift toward demonstrating measurable impacts on child welfare, specifically regarding the enforcement of the Child Rights Act and the improvement of child protection data. This includes a focus on using rigorous research to shape policy and designating 2026 as the ‘Year of Families and Social Development’ to prevent abuse and exploitation.