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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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1 year 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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UNGA81: Shettima Leads Nigeria’s Delegation to New York

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14 hours ago

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September 20, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York, United States.

Stanley Nkwocha, senior special assistant to the president on media and communications, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

The 81st UNGA general debate will be held from September 22 to 28.

The theme of the UNGA is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

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Mr Nkwocha said Mr Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the general debate.

He said the statement would outline Nigeria’s position and priorities on major global issues with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

The presidential aide also said that Shettima would participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week.

Mr Nkwocha added that VP Shettima’s engagements would focus on the right to development, climate action, and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent.

Similarly, he said Mr Shettima is also expected to join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and participate in a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries and international organisations, as well as development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

“The engagements will provide Nigeria an opportunity to advance President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s voice on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation,” he said.

Mr Nkwocha said VP Shettima will return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York.

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Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris Dies In UK At 77

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14 hours ago

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September 20, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has reportedly died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.

Reliable sources broke the shocking news of Idris’s death on Sunday; further details of his reported death were still being awaited as of press time.

Idris served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2008 and again from 2008 to 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was succeeded by his brother-in-law, Captain Idris Wada, in January 2012.

Born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi State, Idris began his education in Onitsha, Anambra State, before moving to Kano, where he completed his primary education.

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He later attended King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State, and obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Abuja.

Before venturing into politics, Idris was a businessman. He established Ibro Trading Company, with interests including construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality.

He later established a furniture factory in Sokoto and the Ibro Hotel, described in available biographical records as the first three-star hotel in the old Sokoto State.

Idris emerged as the PDP governorship candidate for Kogi State ahead of the 2003 election and defeated the incumbent governor, Prince Abubakar Audu.

He was sworn in as governor on May 29, 2003.

Idris was re-elected in 2007, but the election was later nullified following a legal challenge over the exclusion of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate, Abubakar Audu, from the poll.

The Court of Appeal upheld the decision in February 2008 and ordered a fresh election.

Idris subsequently contested the March 2008 re-run and was returned as governor. His victory was challenged by Audu, who alleged electoral irregularities.

Idris eventually completed his tenure in January 2012 and was succeeded by Wada.

The former governor also attracted national attention in 2006 when three of his daughters survived the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash, which claimed numerous lives.

Following the incident, Idris described the survival of his daughters as a “superlative show of mercy” from God and called for thanksgiving.

In April 2024, Idris suffered the loss of his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Ankpa, Olamaboro and Omala Federal Constituency of Kogi State. Mohammed died in Abuja shortly after observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers.

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Mahanga TV Launches in Nigeria to Take Hausa Storytelling, Northern Talent to Global Audiences

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18 hours ago

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September 20, 2026

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Kano-based media platform combines broadcasting, original productions, current affairs, culture and digital media in a new chapter for Northern Nigerian storytelling

A new voice has entered Nigeria’s evolving media landscape with the launch of Mahanga TV, a Kano-based Hausa media and broadcasting platform established to bring together original storytelling, journalism, drama, film, culture and entertainment while giving Northern Nigerian stories a wider audience.

Operating under Mahanga Media and Productions Ltd., the platform is positioning itself at the intersection of television, digital media and modern content production, with an ambition to inform, entertain and connect audiences through professionally produced content.

Mahanga TV is available as a Free-to-Air television service on Amos 17 at a frequency of 11,882 MHz, providing viewers with access to its growing range of Hausa-language programming and original content.

The company describes its philosophy in a simple phrase: “Born in Kano. Built for the world.” Its stated mission is to deliver innovative media solutions that inform, inspire and connect audiences through storytelling and technology, while its broader vision is to build a media and broadcasting company recognised for excellence, creativity and impact in Nigeria and beyond.

For Nuhu Abdullahi Balarabe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mahanga TV, the platform was created from a belief that Northern Nigeria possesses a wealth of stories, talent and cultural perspectives that deserve a larger platform.

“Mahanga TV was established from a deep conviction that Northern Nigeria has a wealth of stories, talent, culture and perspectives that deserve to be told with professionalism, creativity and global relevance. Our vision is to build a modern Hausa media platform that informs, entertains and connects audiences while creating opportunities for Northern talent and amplifying stories that reflect who we are and where we are going.

“At Mahanga TV, we are combining contemporary broadcast technology with original storytelling, current affairs, drama, film, music, culture and entertainment to create a platform that goes beyond traditional television. We are proud to be born in Kano, but our ambition is to take the stories and voices of Northern Nigeria to audiences across Nigeria and the world.”

— Nuhu Abdullahi Balarabe, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Mahanga TV

That vision is reflected in the platform’s programming structure, which spans talk shows, drama series, feature films, current affairs, music and culture, and family-friendly entertainment. Its published programming slate includes talk formats such as Labaran Yau, Sahel Circle, Kano After Dark and Arewa Dialogues, alongside drama productions, feature films, current-affairs programmes and music and cultural shows.

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Its drama offering focuses on stories grounded in Hausa-Fulani heritage, with the company highlighting writers, directors and actors from across Northern Nigeria. Its feature-film programming similarly seeks to showcase Northern Nigerian filmmaking and artistry, while its music and culture programming brings together traditional cultural expressions and contemporary Northern sounds.

The platform’s current-affairs offering is another important part of its identity, with programmes listed under the Mahanga Newshour, Northern Report, Frontline and Market Day brands. The programming is designed around issues and conversations relevant to audiences in Northern Nigeria, complementing the platform’s entertainment and cultural content.

Behind the programming is an investment in production infrastructure. Mahanga’s facility at Farm Centre, Tarauni, Kano, includes professional studios, editing and post-production suites, audio recording booths, a live-streaming control room, meeting rooms and high-speed internet. Its listed production equipment includes high-definition cameras, professional lighting, audio recording systems, live-streaming equipment, editing facilities and broadcast transmission gear.

The company’s production model covers the entire process from concept and scripting to filming, editing and distribution, allowing projects to be developed with a unified creative and production direction. Its delivery platforms include television, online broadcasting, social media and live streaming.

Beyond its programming, Mahanga Media and Productions also positions itself as a full-service media company serving brands, institutions and individuals. Its services include television and online broadcasting, video production, social-media campaigns, online media campaigns, event coverage and live streaming.

The company’s development has also been marked by a gradual expansion of its production and digital capabilities. According to its published corporate timeline, Mahanga TV was founded in Kano in 2025, expanded its studio and live-streaming infrastructure in 2026, moved into digital campaigns and online broadcasting in 2026 and produced its original Baya da Kura series in 2026. In 2026, the company describes itself as operating as a full-service media organisation covering broadcasting, production, events and live streaming.

The digital component of the platform is also being expanded. Mahanga says a dedicated mobile application for iOS and Android is currently in development, with plans to allow audiences to watch programmes, receive updates and access Mahanga TV content directly from their mobile devices.

For Northern Nigeria’s creative industry, the emergence of a platform built around local storytelling, production and talent creates another avenue through which filmmakers, journalists, actors, musicians, presenters and other creatives can reach audiences.

More broadly, Mahanga’s launch comes at a time when the distinction between television and digital media is becoming increasingly fluid. Audiences now consume news, entertainment and cultural content across television, social media, streaming platforms and mobile devices. Mahanga’s stated strategy reflects that changing media environment by combining conventional broadcasting with digital distribution and original content production.

At the centre of the platform, however, remains storytelling.

From current affairs and long-form conversations to drama, film, music and cultural programming, Mahanga is seeking to build a media identity that is distinctly Northern while remaining accessible to audiences beyond the region.

Its launch therefore represents more than the arrival of another television platform in Kano. It marks the beginning of an effort to create a modern Hausa media brand capable of bringing together Northern identity, professional production, contemporary broadcasting and digital storytelling.

And with its ambition captured in its own words — “Born in Kano. Built for the world.” — Mahanga TV is setting out to give the stories, voices and talent of Northern Nigeria a wider stage.

Mahanga TV — Free-to-Air Broadcast Information

Satellite: AMOS-17
Transponder: K7113
Frequency: 11,882 MHz
Polarization: V (Vertical)
Symbol Rate: 30 Msps
Modulation: QPSK
FEC: 2/3

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