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Special Report: Nigeria’s Hidden Crisis—15 Million Childhoods Lost to Labor, Experts Suggest a Way Out

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6 months ago

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa ,Nigerian Tracker Correspondent

In Nigeria, child labor has remained one of the highest rating phenomenon bedeviling the society. This development has become prevalent, particularly, among the low income households the rural communities.

Consequently, the victims are usually prone to psychological trauma, and believing less in themselves among their peers as they are usually deprived of enjoying the euphoria of childhood as their peers.

According to the 2023 report by UNICEF and International Labor Organization(ILO), 43% of children in Nigeria between the age bracket of 5-17 years are engaged in child labor, amounting to 15 million children. Also in the record, 39% of those children which is around 14million are involved in hazardous work, including mining, quarrying, hawking, and domestic servitude.

From the report, it was clear that only 61% of children between 6-14 years of age attend primary school, with many dropping out due to economic pressures.

The report also comprehensively noted that the practice is most prevalent in the northern part of the country, Nigeria. Citing the already accustomed Almajiri system which has indirectly but greatly contributed to this ugly development.

However, emphasis on other regions in the country where such practice is practically in existence was made; noting states like Enugu, Abia and others from the south east where kids engage in menial trades in the market for survival. Lagos state, as a hub for child labor in the western part of the country, where kids are being used as domestic house helps, was not left out either.

Further Revelations From Experts

Sociologist Maimuna Abubakar gave an insight on how children are usually being trafficked from their parents home to their place of illegal labor:

“There are two distinct ways in which the child labor practice is being carried out in Nigeria juxtaposing the northern and the southern parts of the country,” she said.

“From the northern side where mostly girls of the ages of 9-15 years are being taken from their parents home to places they will engage in labor, it’s very difficult to find a girl being used as house help and at same time enrolled in school or any vocational training,” she added.

“But at the other side which is the southern part of the country, girls and boys are usually being trafficked to serve as house helps and apprentices, unlike the north which is mostly girls. And there are usually enrolled in school or vocational training by those they are laboring for–such practice which is very rare in the northern part of the country,” Mrs Maimuna asserted.

Identifying the key drivers to child labor practice in Nigeria, Mrs. Maimuna pointed out that cultural norms is actually one of the main drivers that are fueling the growing numbers of child labor; citing a real life scenario where a father had brought his own daughter to a relative’s house in order for her to be trained up to a secondary education level while she does all the house chores for them:

“The man planned that after her attainment of secondary education, he will marry her out, then she and her husband will be left with the choice of she continuing the education to higher level or not,” she narrated.

While on the other hand, a public affairs Analyst, Dr. Muttaqa Yushau Abdulrauf, clarified that:

“while it’s a good thing for a child to assist his parents in chores, what is frowned upon and termed child labor is when a child is being subjected to a hazardous work that can clearly overpowers him and endangers his life, and also deprived him access to education.”

He also noted that poverty is the main cause for child labor practice in Nigeria:

“Data has shown that the key driver of child labor is poverty.”

“Especially the rural areas where parents are found not being able to take care of their children. So, instead of them finding another source of income, they engage their children in hazardous work especially mining and quarrying which usually serves as their alternative source of income,” Dr. Muttaqa added.

The Role Of Government In Tackling The Phenomenon

While Dr. Muttaqa acknowledged the existence of some of the social welfare programs enacted by the government such as the Child Right Act in some states, he also admitted to the growing numbers of child labor practice in Nigeria amidst the government efforts:

“There so many educational policies being put in place by the government aimed at ensuring that every child has access to education.”

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“But despite all the policies, child labor has increased proportionately overtime,” he said.

On the other hand, Mrs. Maimuna criticized that it has been a challenge in the governance system of Nigeria to sustain policies that have been initiated:

“Policies are mostly in papers nowadays without proper implementation and follow up.”

“I could vividly recall there was a time around 2010 until around 2017/2018 where child labor is strictly frowned upon by authorities in charge. Then, if a child is caught hawking on the road during school hours, authorities would take the child into custody and wait for the parents to come and claim him with huge fine. If a particular parent is constantly found guilty of such treatment on a child, such parent would be arrested,” she narrated.

“Then, the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) scheme for free education was in place. The scheme and the strict implementation of consequences for engagement in child labor helped in reducing the numbers of children on the street during school hours,” Mrs. Maimuna added.

“It’s the lack of sustaining the policies by the government that has contributed to the rise in the numbers of child labor in Nigeria today,” she remarked.

Ordinary Nigerians Lent Their Voices

Mus’ab Ahmad Dandani, an indigene of Bauchi state, acknowledged the widespread practice of child labor in Nigeria especially in the north:

“The practice is actually common in Nigeria, especially in the northern part where the Almajiri system is actively in place.”

“However, it’s not restricted to the northern part only as there is poverty everywhere which is the main reason why the children are out on the street as a result of their parents being incapacitated to provide,” he added.

When asked who is to be blamed the most among parents, employers of the child labor, and the government, Mr. Mus’ab responded that every of the category has its own share of the blame.

Another respondent, Jacob Samaila, a resident of Kaduna State noted that the phenomenon is prevalent in the rural areas of the country the most:

“Child Labor is very common in Nigeria, especially in the rural areas”

Like the first respondent, Mr. Jacob also pointed out that the blame for child labor is shared among the parents, the employers, and the government; noting that each of the three has its way of contributing to the challenge.

A kogite, Rashidat Isiaka, remarked that aside poverty, other key factors contributing to the rise in the numbers of child labor practice in Nigeria are lack of education or awareness, and cultural norms:

“Most parents don’t know their children have certain rights over them that are recognized by the law, and punishable if violated.”

She continued, “Also, it’s part of the culture of some communities that girls aren’t supposed to be educated as that will be a waste of time since they usually end up in marriage; and they are expected to be submissive in taking care of the house without doing any job.”

Aminu Ibrahim, a resident of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was of the opinion that parents are to be wholly blamed for child labor practice in Nigeria:

“If parents are deliberate about birth control, there wouldn’t have been a child labor practice in the first place before talking about the need to look up to the government for supports.”

“Parents must stop bringing into the world children they can not cater for,” Aminu cautioned.

He also emphasized that the child labor practice has contributed immensely to the Boko Haram/banditry insurgence that is ravaging rural communities:

“Most of the Boko Haram and banditry members operating in Nigeria were once victims of this child labor of a thing.”

Aminu continued, “If parents had controlled the way they give birth, we wouldn’t be having such experience in Nigeria.”

Due to the growing opinion that poverty is the main reason for the practice in question, Rashidat Ahmad, also a kogite, was asked if at all a child must work to support his parents, at what age would she recommend? And she responded thus below:

“I don’t support the idea of children working at a very young age, but if at all it should happen, then 18 years upward is a good fit.”

Contrary to the above opinion by Aminu Ibrahim that only parents should be blamed for the child labor practice, but of the same understanding as other respondents, Rashidat also noted that each of the three–parents, employers of child labor, and the government–is to be blamed proportionately:

“Child labor is rather a complex issue, and as such, can not be attributed to one party.”

“Moreover, all the three share certain responsibilities that ought to address the ugly development decisively,” she added.

What Is The Best Possible Way Out?

Deducing from the submissions made by experts, and even the other respondents from the various parts of the country, the best and possible way out of this chaos known as child labor are:

Birth control as opined by Aminu Ibrahim, the respondent from the Federal Capital Territory.
Stronger social welfare programs that will see to poverty alleviation–more like job creation and quality access to education for the children.

Enforcement of the Child Right Act laws that will punish its offenders decisively.
If the solutions provided by the respondents will be effectively adhered to and implemented, child labor practice will be reduced to the barest minimum.

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Doctors at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital To Join Nationwide Indefinite Strike

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4 minutes ago

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January 9, 2026

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The association of Resident Doctors, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (ARD AKTH), has formally announced its decision to join the nationwide strike declared by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). According to Dr. Bello Aminu Bello, President of ARD AKTH, the strike, known as the Total and Indefinite Consolidated Strike (TICS 2.0), will commence at midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Dr. Bello explained that the decision was reached after “extensive deliberations and in strict alignment with the directive of NARD.” He emphasized that the strike was not taken lightly but was necessitated by “prolonged engagement, repeated assurances, and persistent failure by relevant authorities to address critical welfare, training, and remuneration concerns affecting resident doctors and the healthcare system.”

In outlining the doctors’ demands, Dr. Bello stressed that they remain “clear, legitimate, and long overdue.” Among the key issues highlighted were the immediate reinstatement of the FTH Lokoja Five, payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and the full implementation of the approved professional allowance table with arrears captured in the 2026 Federal Budget.

The ARD AKTH president further noted that the association is calling for “official clarification by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to Chief Executives on skipping and entry-level placement issues.” He added that the re-introduction and full implementation of the Specialist Allowance is also a priority for resident doctors.

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Dr. Bello also drew attention to the plight of House Officers, stating that “the resolution of salary delays and arrears, with issuance of a clear pay advisory, is urgently needed.” He explained that the association is equally demanding the re-categorization of membership certificates and issuance of certificates post Part I examinations by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).

On working conditions, Dr. Bello revealed that ARD AKTH is insisting on “the immediate commencement of locum practice and work-hours regulation committees.” He added that the resumption and timely conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process is critical to restoring confidence in the system.

Highlighting the implications of the unresolved issues, Dr. Bello warned that “the continued neglect of these matters poses serious risks to healthcare delivery, workforce morale, and patient safety.” He stressed that resident doctors cannot continue to function optimally in an environment of uncertainty and unfulfilled commitments.

Despite the strike declaration, Dr. Bello assured that ARD AKTH remains open to dialogue. “We are open to genuine, concrete, and time-bound negotiations, but until meaningful progress is achieved, we stand in full solidarity with NARD and resident doctors nationwide,” he stated.

The announcement shows a major disruption in healthcare services in Kano and across Nigeria, as resident doctors form the backbone of medical care in teaching hospitals. The government is now under mounting pressure to respond to the doctors’ demands before the strike begins.

 

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INEC Chairman Vows Free, Fair, and Tech-Driven 2027 Elections

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1 hour ago

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January 9, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has pledged that the 2027 General Elections will be free, fair, transparent, and driven by technology, warning that misconduct will not be tolerated.

Speaking on Thursday at the opening of a two-day induction and strategic retreat for top officials in Lagos, Amupitan outlined an ambitious vision to meet the evolving demands of Nigeria’s electoral landscape and restore public confidence.

“We are gathered here not just as electoral administrators, but as custodians of the will of the Nigerian people. This retreat is a bridge between our institutional experience and the innovative demands of a fast-evolving electoral landscape,” the Chairman stated.

Building on Past Performance

Amupitan commended INEC staff for their conduct during the November 2025 Anambra State governorship election, calling it a “defining moment” early in his tenure. He emphasized that upcoming polls—including the February 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections and off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States—would serve as critical tests for the Commission’s preparedness.

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“They are not routine exercises, but opportunities to fine-tune our processes and ensure that every technical and logistical gear is well oiled ahead of the 2027 polls,” he said.

Five Non-Negotiable Pillars and the Youth Vote

The INEC boss identified five core principles that will guide the Commission’s work: free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. He also highlighted the decisive role of first-time voters, particularly digitally-savvy youth, who he said “demand transparency in real time and have little tolerance for opacity.”

Rule of Law as Operating System

Amupitan stressed an uncompromising commitment to the legal framework governing elections. “Under my leadership, the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system,” he declared.

The retreat will focus on 17 thematic areas, including logistics, voter registration, election security, and political party management. “We must ensure that the Continuous Voter Registration and revalidation processes are beyond reproach,” he added.

A Watershed Election and Zero Tolerance for Misconduct

Setting a bold target, Amupitan stated that the 2027 election must be “a watershed in Nigeria’s electoral history,” aiming to establish INEC as “the best Election Management Body in Africa.”

He coupled this ambition with a stern warning: “I am committed to staff welfare, but any compromise of our values or processes will have consequences. There is no room for misconduct.”

Strengthening Institutional Readiness

In his opening remarks, Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner Prof. Ayobami Salami described the retreat as a milestone in INEC’s evolution, designed to strengthen leadership and operational readiness amid heightened public expectations.

“As we move towards the 2027 General Election, early planning, strategic coordination, and institutional unity are critical,” Salami said.

The retreat, which runs from January 9–10, aims to deepen institutional knowledge and foster cohesion within the Commission ahead of the major electoral cycle.

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Rivers APC Chapter Rejects Moves to Impeach Fubara

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23 hours ago

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January 8, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally rejected ongoing moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, warning that such action would destabilise the state and damage the party’s image.

Nigerian Tracker News earlier reported that the political crisis rocking Rivers State deepened on Thursday as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Oduh.

The move followed a plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, during which the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read a notice of allegations and claims of gross misconduct levelled against the governor.

No fewer than 26 lawmakers were said to have signed the notice, which the legislators alleged was in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on Governor Fubara within the next seven days, in accordance with legislative procedure.

Similarly, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Linda Stewart, read out a separate notice of allegations and gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh.

In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Rivers APC spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the party said its leadership had taken note of the “unfortunate developments” emanating from the Rivers State House of Assembly.

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While acknowledging the constitutional independence of the legislature and its role in checks and balances, the APC said it could not support an impeachment process against a governor elected on its platform.

“Our position as of today on this matter is that we solemnly reject the resort to an impeachment process against our Governor and his deputy,” the statement read.

The party warned against allowing internal disputes associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to spill into the APC, describing such a development as unacceptable.

Addressing claims that the impeachment threat is linked to budgetary issues, the APC recalled that during the period of emergency rule, a budget of ₦1.485 trillion was transmitted to the National Assembly by the President in May 2025 and subsequently approved by the Senate on June 25, 2025, and the House of Representatives on July 22, 2025.

According to the statement, the budget was designed to run for one year until August 2026, noting that the governor is not constitutionally compelled to present a supplementary budget if he is satisfied with the existing appropriation.

The party also cited constitutional provisions allowing a governor to spend for up to six months into a new fiscal year.

The APC leadership therefore urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, particularly its lawmakers, to resist what it described as “pressures from outside the Assembly chambers” aimed at destabilising the government.

“We will do everything possible to ensure that the Government of Rivers State, which is an APC government, is not destabilised through fratricidal disagreements,” the statement added.

The party called on the lawmakers to immediately discontinue the impeachment process, warning that proceeding with it could tarnish the APC’s image and undermine governance and development in the state.

“Let our state remain a democracy and not a politicocracy,” the statement noted.

The latest development comes amid the lingering political rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor and political benefactor, Nyesom Wike, which has continued to polarise the state’s political structure.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) had stated that Wike would “certainly be under” his successor, Fubara, should he decide to join the party, underscoring that leadership positions are tied to current office.

The APC Director of Information, Bala Ibrahim, made the comments during an interview on Trust TV.

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