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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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Kenyan Presidential Aspirant Warns Dangote: ‘Don’t Rush Lamu Refinery, I’ll Send You Back to Nigeria’

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13 hours ago

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October 11, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A man identified in a viral video as Kenyan presidential aspirant Patrick Osoi has sparked a heated online debate after warning Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote not to rush into establishing an oil refinery in Lamu, saying he would send the businessman back to Nigeria if elected president.

In the clip, said to have been recorded at a Lions Movement event, Osoi says: “I want to tell Aliko Dangote, please don’t rush to start the refinery because, when I’m sworn in as President of Kenya next year, you will be heading back to Nigeria.”

The remarks appear to reference a proposed $16 billion refinery project in Lamu, a coastal county that Kenya has promoted as a future hub for oil and gas infrastructure. Osoi argued that Kenyan investors have the capacity to build and run such a facility without foreign ownership.

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“We don’t need to beg foreigners to develop our resources,” he said, according to a partial transcript of the video. “Kenyans can do it.”

The video has been shared widely on Facebook, X and WhatsApp, drawing mixed reactions. Supporters praised Osoi for what they called a bold defense of economic sovereignty. Critics warned that the comments could scare off foreign investors and strain Kenya’s diplomatic and trade ties with Nigeria.

Dangote, Africa’s richest man and chairman of Dangote Group, has not publicly responded to the clip. His conglomerate operates one of the world’s largest single-train refineries in Nigeria and has investments in cement, sugar, fertilizer and petroleum across Africa.

The Kenyan government has not commented on the video. It was not immediately clear whether the Lamu refinery project involving Dangote is still active or whether Osoi’s remarks reflect any official policy.

Political analysts say the controversy underscores growing public debate in Kenya over foreign investment, local content and control of natural resources ahead of the next general election, expected in 2027.

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NDC’s Kano Governorship Candidate Gwarzo Missing From INEC Final List

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23 hours ago

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October 11, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, is absent from the final list of governorship candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The three-page list, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, contains 17 governorship candidates and their running mates for the Kano election, but neither Gwarzo nor any other NDC candidate appears on it.

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Those listed include Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abacha Muhammed Sani of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and candidates from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and New Democratic Party (NDP), among others.

The document provides the names, political parties, ages, genders, and educational qualifications of the candidates and their deputy governorship candidates.

INEC did not state why the NDC candidate was omitted, and the published list does not indicate whether the omission is connected to the party’s nomination process, documentation, or another issue.

The development raises questions about the NDC’s participation in the Kano governorship election, although the list alone does not establish the reason for Gwarzo’s absence.

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Dawakin Tofa Academic Forum Holds Maiden Heroes Day, Honours Former Kano Governor

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2 days ago

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October 10, 2026

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The Dawakin Tofa Academic Forum has held its maiden Heroes Day and awards ceremony, honouring 10 distinguished late indigenes of Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State for their contributions to education, public service, politics, community development and other fields.

The event, organised by the Dawakin Tofa Academic Forum, brought together academics, community leaders, elders and other stakeholders to celebrate the legacies of prominent personalities who contributed to the development of Dawakin Tofa, Kano State and Nigeria.

Speaking at the ceremony, the chairman of the forum, Dr Junaidu Danladi, said the organisation was established in 2018 to bring together educated indigenes of Dawakin Tofa, including professors, associate professors and other professionals from tertiary institutions.

Danladi said the forum had grown significantly since its establishment, with more than 100 members committed to promoting educational development and recognising individuals whose contributions had positively shaped the community.

He said the maiden Heroes Day was organised to preserve the history of Dawakin Tofa and ensure that the achievements of its prominent sons were documented and remembered by present and future generations.

In his remarks, Surveyor Muhammad Nadu Yahaya, an elder and former commissioner for lands, budget and planning, described the initiative as a timely and commendable development, saying the recognition of distinguished personalities from Dawakin Tofa was long overdue.

Yahaya said the forum represented the intellectual elite of Dawakin Tofa, whose members had demonstrated a commitment to advancing the community through knowledge, innovation and public service.

He commended the organisers for introducing the Heroes Day initiative, describing the selected award recipients as eminent personalities whose influence extended beyond Dawakin Tofa to Kano State and Nigeria.

Yahaya also called on the people of Dawakin Tofa to make additional efforts to distinguish the local government through educational advancement, community development and other innovative initiatives.

He prayed for Allah’s blessings upon the award recipients and the organisers, urging the forum to sustain the programme as an annual event that would inspire younger generations.

Similarly, Madakin Kano, Yusuf Nabahani Cigari, commended the Dawakin Tofa Academic Forum for recognising the achievements of the community’s late prominent figures.

Cigari said Dawakin Tofa was blessed with accomplished individuals across politics, the economy and public service, adding that the local government had a rich history of producing personalities who contributed to the development of Kano State and the country.

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He urged the people of Dawakin Tofa to remain united and work collectively towards the progress of their community, stressing the importance of preserving its heritage and celebrating its achievements.

The former chairman of the Dawakin Tofa Academic Forum, Dr Ameer Abdul Aziz, presented the profiles and contributions of the personalities selected for the maiden edition of the Heroes Day.

Abdul Aziz explained that hundreds of deserving indigenes could be considered for recognition, but the forum selected 10 individuals for the inaugural edition, with the intention of honouring more distinguished personalities in subsequent editions.

Among those honoured was Bello Kano, also known as Madakin Kano, who was born in 1907 and died in 1987. Abdul Aziz said Bello Kano began his career in education as an assistant teacher before rising to become a headteacher at a middle school.

According to Abdul Aziz, Bello Kano also served in different administrative and legislative capacities and contributed to the establishment of primary and post-primary schools in Dawakin Tofa, helping to expand access to education in the area.

Another recipient was Alhaji Adamu Danguguwa, who lived from 1913 to 1988. Abdul Aziz said Danguguwa acquired Qur’anic education and later attended Samaru Agricultural School, where he received agricultural training.

The forum also recognised a former governor of Kano State, “Alhaji Abdu Dawakin Tofa,” born in 1932 and died in 2003, who studied at Kansas University in the United States and served as commissioner for agriculture, deputy governor and governor of Kano State from May to October 1983.

The late Imam of Dawakin Tofa, Mukhtar Iman, who lived from 1935 to 2008, was also honoured for his contributions to reconciliation and efforts to combat illiteracy, according to Abdul Aziz.

The forum recognised Ahmad Ismail Dungurawa, who lived from 1945 to 2008, for his role in struggles for justice and his efforts to promote the interests of ordinary people.

Another award recipient, Aminu Garba Yaro, was celebrated for his generosity and support for children, including assistance to young people seeking educational opportunities. Abdul Aziz said Yaro, who worked with United Bank for Africa, made contributions to the welfare and advancement of others.

The forum also honoured Engineer Magaji Abdullahi, a water engineer who lived from 1947 to 2016, for his contributions to Dawakin Tofa, Kano State and Nigeria. Abdul Aziz said Abdullahi’s professional work and services had made a lasting impact on the community ,a prominent politician and a former Deputy Governor of Kano state from 2003 to 2007.

Abdullahi Maikano Rabiu, who lived from 1949 to 2021, was recognised for his commitment to supporting students, including those he knew personally and others who approached him for assistance, according to Abdul Aziz.

Abdul Aziz described Rabiu as a compassionate individual and a man of wisdom whose generosity helped many people pursue their educational ambitions.

The forum also honoured Alasan Dawakin, who was born in 1946 and died in 2023, for dedicating about five decades of his life to teaching and learning, according to the former chairman.

Another honouree was Malam Abdullahi Maikano, who lived from 1942 to 2023, in recognition of his contributions to the community.

The organisers said the Heroes Day was designed not only to honour the achievements of the deceased personalities but also to encourage younger generations to emulate their commitment to education, service, integrity and community development.

The maiden edition marked an effort by the Dawakin Tofa Academic Forum to document the history of prominent indigenes and establish a platform for celebrating individuals whose contributions might otherwise be forgotten.

The forum is expected to use the initiative to strengthen community ties, promote educational values and encourage the emergence of future leaders committed to the development of Dawakin Tofa and Kano State.

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