FG, ILO launch national child labour reporting website, app

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The Federal Government and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have launched a national child labour reporting website and mobile application aimed at enhancing efforts to eliminate child labour across the country.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejocha, during the launch, said the platforms, developed in collaboration with the National Steering Committee on Child Labour (NSCPL), will serve as vital tools for accountability, coordination, and swift intervention.

Highlighting Nigeria’s strides in combating the menace through the ratification of ILO Conventions 138 and 182, Onyejocha emphasised the importance of the new platform in advancing the National Policy and Action Plan on the Elimination of Child Labour.

“Child labour is a menace that robs our children of their future. The newly launched digital platform is designed to serve as a centralised hub for reporting child labour cases instantly, enhancing data collection, case management, and promoting Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8.7). This goal calls for immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and eliminate the worst forms of child labour,” she said.

The minister urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, employers, workers, and the public, to utilise the platform effectively to ensure that every Nigerian child enjoys a childhood free from exploitation.

ILO Director-General, Gilbert Houngbo, noted that with over 39% of Nigerian children engaged in child labour, particularly in agriculture and mining, the launch of this digital platform represents a bold step in improving case reporting, data management, and intervention visibility.

Houngbo also commended the National Steering Committee for its relentless efforts to create a safe and nurturing environment for Nigerian children.

According to him, “The launching of the digital platforms is a bold step forward to bridge the gap towards knowledge sharing and referrals. It will also promote the visibility of child labour interventions during the cooperation between the government and all your partners, including the ILO itself.”

ILO Country Director, Vanessa Phalla, commended the National Steering Committee and all stakeholders for their dedication, reaffirming the ILO’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to create a safe environment for children.

“Eradicating child labour is a very important drive and something that is very fundamental to the work of the ILO. So your efforts are not going unnoticed, and I’m sure that we will continue working together under the leadership of the minister,” she stated.