Tinubu Launches National Action Plan Against Child Labour

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a new national action plan to tackle child labour, declaring the fight against the menace a development priority for Nigeria.

The President launched the National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour 2026–2030 on Wednesday in Abuja.

He spoke at the National Dialogue on advancing implementation of the policy and action plan, where he also unveiled the 2024 National Child Labour Survey Report.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said the government would address the conditions that push children into exploitative labour.

He identified poverty, unemployment, limited access to quality education and social exclusion as major issues that require stronger intervention.

“Every nation is judged by how well it protects its children,” the President said.

Tinubu warned that children forced into labour lose opportunities beyond education, including their health, confidence and ability to contribute fully to national development.

He therefore said the government would strengthen labour administration, workplace inspection and child protection systems.

The President also placed education at the centre of the strategy, describing it as one of the strongest safeguards against child labour.

He said the administration was pursuing measures to reduce the number of out-of-school children while improving education data, teacher development and skills acquisition.

Tinubu also highlighted the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme as part of the measures that could encourage school attendance.

According to him, the programme would also help tackle hunger and nutritional challenges affecting children from vulnerable households.

The President said the government was expanding social protection through initiatives such as the NG-CARES Additional Financing Programme and the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity, HOPE, Programme.

He said the programmes would strengthen household resilience and create economic opportunities for parents and caregivers.

Tinubu said better livelihoods would reduce the pressure on families to depend on children’s earnings for survival.

The President also recalled the launch of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children in Nigeria 2024–2030 in 2025.

He said his administration would continue to enforce the Child Rights Act and other laws designed to protect children.

Tinubu added that the government would improve school safety, particularly in areas considered vulnerable or high-risk.

He said Nigeria’s status as an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Country placed a responsibility on the country to demonstrate leadership in the global campaign against child labour.

The President described the new action plan as a practical framework for turning Nigeria’s international commitments into measurable action.

He called on state governments to support its implementation and urged the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum to promote child protection initiatives.

Tinubu also charged employers to ensure their supply chains remained free of child labour.

He urged workers’ organisations, development partners, traditional rulers, religious leaders, communities, parents and guardians to support the campaign.

The President directed ministries, departments and agencies, state governments and other stakeholders to fully implement the policy and action plan.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and its development partners for supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat child labour.

Those acknowledged included the International Labour Organisation, ECOWAS, European Union, Government of the Netherlands, United States Department of Labor, World Bank and National Bureau of Statistics.

Tinubu also recognised members of the National Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child Labour for their contributions to the initiative.

He urged stakeholders to move “beyond commitment to action” and ensure that every Nigerian child has access to education, protection and a childhood free from exploitation.