AN ASSESSMENT OF THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHILD LABOUR IN NIGERIA AND STRATEGIES FOR ITS ERADICATION: A STUDY OF UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, AKWA IBOM STATE

ABSTRACT

Child labour remains one of the most persistent social and developmental challenges confronting many developing nations, particularly Nigeria. Despite the existence of legal frameworks and international conventions aimed at protecting children from economic exploitation, a significant number of children continue to engage in hazardous and exploitative labour activities. This study investigates the major factors contributing to child labour and examines practical strategies for addressing the problem in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The study adopts a survey research design, utilizing structured questionnaires and interviews to obtain data from residents within the study area. Findings reveal that poverty, unemployment, low parental educational attainment, family instability, cultural beliefs, poor enforcement of child protection laws, and inadequate access to quality education are among the major drivers of child labour. The study further establishes that child labour exposes children to numerous physical, psychological, educational, and social risks, including school dropout, sexual exploitation, emotional trauma, poor academic performance, juvenile delinquency, and health-related complications. The research also highlights that many children engaged in street hawking and other informal economic activities are deprived of opportunities necessary for healthy growth and human capital development. The study recommends stronger enforcement of child protection laws, poverty alleviation programmes, free and compulsory education, public sensitization campaigns, parental support initiatives, and collaborative interventions by government agencies, schools, religious institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies. The study concludes that eliminating child labour requires a multidimensional and sustainable approach focused on child welfare, education, economic empowerment, and social justice.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Children occupy a central position in every society because they represent the future workforce, leadership structure, and socio-economic development of a nation. The wellbeing, protection, and educational advancement of children are therefore fundamental indicators of national progress and sustainable development. In many African societies, including Nigeria, children traditionally participate in light domestic and family-related activities as part of the socialization process. Such responsibilities are often intended to instill discipline, responsibility, and vocational skills appropriate to the child’s age and physical capacity. However, when children are subjected to exploitative, hazardous, excessive, or income-generating labour that interferes with their education, health, emotional stability, and overall development, such practices become child labour (Okafor, 2010).

Globally, child labour has emerged as a major human rights concern and a significant obstacle to social and economic development. The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines child labour as work that deprives children of their childhood, dignity, education, and developmental opportunities while exposing them to physical and psychological harm. According to the International Labour Organization, millions of children across the world are engaged in labour activities under unsafe and exploitative conditions, particularly in developing countries where poverty and weak institutional frameworks persist (ILO, 2021).

In Nigeria, child labour has become increasingly visible in both rural and urban areas. Children are commonly found engaging in street hawking, domestic servitude, farm labour, scavenging, transportation assistance, apprenticeship under harsh conditions, and other informal economic activities. In many cases, these children work long hours under dangerous conditions with little or no remuneration. The situation is further complicated by rising economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, inflation, family instability, and limited access to quality education. These socio-economic pressures have forced many families to depend on children as contributors to household income and survival.

The growing prevalence of child labour in Nigeria has generated serious concerns among scholars, policymakers, child rights advocates, and international organizations. Beyond depriving children of educational opportunities, child labour exposes them to exploitation, violence, trafficking, substance abuse, sexual harassment, health hazards, and psychological trauma. Street hawking, in particular, places children at risk of accidents, kidnapping, sexual abuse, and criminal exploitation. Female child labourers are especially vulnerable to early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and gender-based violence.

Although Nigeria has enacted several legal and policy measures aimed at protecting children, including the Child Rights Act of 2003 and labour regulations consistent with international conventions, the enforcement of these laws remains inadequate. Weak institutional implementation, poor public awareness, corruption, socio-cultural acceptance of child work, and persistent poverty continue to undermine efforts toward the elimination of child labour.

Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has witnessed increasing cases of child labour activities, especially among children involved in street trading and informal economic activities. The persistence of the problem raises important concerns regarding child protection, educational access, and social welfare within the area. Against this background, this study seeks to critically examine the prevailing factors responsible for child labour and propose sustainable strategies for addressing the menace in Nigeria, using Uyo Local Government Area as the study focus.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Child labour remains a widespread social problem in Nigeria despite numerous national and international efforts aimed at protecting children from exploitation. Over the years, governments, international organizations, and non-governmental agencies have introduced policies, legal frameworks, and intervention programmes designed to reduce child labour and improve child welfare. However, the problem continues to persist across many parts of the country, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities.

Several empirical studies have identified poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, family size, poor parental background, and inadequate access to education as major factors encouraging child labour in Nigeria. Studies conducted in different parts of the country have shown that many children engage in street hawking and other labour activities primarily to support family income and survival. In most cases, these children are exposed to dangerous environments that negatively affect their educational attainment, health status, and emotional wellbeing.

Research conducted by Ojo Mathias (2013) on street hawking among children in Lagos State established that parental educational level, occupational background, and large family size significantly contribute to child labour practices. Similarly, Ekpenyong and Sibiri (2011) observed that child labour in Bayelsa State was largely driven by poverty and the need for economic survival among low-income households. Other studies have further revealed that children engaged in labour activities often experience poor academic performance, school absenteeism, emotional distress, and exposure to exploitation.

Despite existing literature on child labour, the problem continues to evolve due to worsening socio-economic conditions, rapid urbanization, inflation, and weak implementation of child protection laws. Many children remain engaged in exploitative labour because of ineffective enforcement mechanisms and limited social support systems. In Uyo Local Government Area, the increasing number of children involved in street hawking and informal labour activities suggests that child labour remains a major concern requiring urgent academic and policy attention.

Furthermore, many previous studies focused primarily on the causes and effects of child labour without adequately examining practical and sustainable strategies for addressing the problem within specific local contexts. There is therefore a need for a comprehensive investigation into the prevailing factors contributing to child labour and the possible measures that can effectively reduce its occurrence.

This study seeks to bridge this gap by critically examining the socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors responsible for child labour in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and proposing practical solutions for its eradication.

1.3 Research Questions

The study seeks to provide answers to the following research questions:

1. What are the major factors responsible for child labour in Nigeria?
2. What are the socio-economic and educational effects of child labour on children in Uyo Local Government Area?
3. How does street hawking contribute to child exploitation and educational deprivation?
4. What measures can be adopted to reduce or eradicate child labour in Nigeria?
5. To what extent have government policies and child protection laws been effective in addressing child labour?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this study is to investigate the prevailing factors contributing to child labour and examine possible strategies for addressing the problem in Nigeria.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Identify the major causes of child labour among children in Nigeria.
2. Examine the effects of child labour on the educational, physical, and psychological wellbeing of children.
3. Assess the relationship between poverty and child labour in Uyo Local Government Area.
4. Investigate the extent to which street hawking contributes to child exploitation.
5. Suggest practical and sustainable solutions for reducing child labour in Nigeria.

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the investigation of factors contributing to child labour and possible strategies for its eradication in Nigeria, with particular reference to Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The study examines the socio-economic, cultural, educational, and institutional dimensions of child labour. It also evaluates the effects of child labour on children’s educational attainment, health, and social development. Respondents for the study will include residents, parents, teachers, and selected stakeholders within the study area.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways.

First, the study will contribute to existing academic literature on child labour by providing updated empirical insights into the factors responsible for the persistence of child labour in Nigeria. The findings will enrich scholarly discussions on child rights, social welfare, and sustainable development.

Second, the study will provide useful information to government agencies, policymakers, and child protection institutions on the socio-economic realities driving child labour. This may assist in the formulation and implementation of effective child welfare policies and intervention programmes.

Third, non-governmental organizations, international development agencies, religious institutions, and community-based organizations will benefit from the findings of this study in designing advocacy campaigns and social support initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable children.

Fourth, the study will create awareness among parents and members of the public regarding the harmful consequences of child labour on children’s physical, emotional, educational, and psychological development.

Finally, the study will serve as a reference material for future researchers who may wish to conduct further studies on child labour, child abuse, social inequality, and child protection in Nigeria and other developing countries.

1.7 Methodology and Sources of Data

This study adopts a survey research design. Data will be obtained from both primary and secondary sources.

Primary data will be collected through the administration of structured questionnaires and oral interviews among selected respondents within Uyo Local Government Area. The questionnaires will be designed in line with the objectives of the study to ensure the collection of relevant and reliable information.

Secondary data will be sourced from textbooks, academic journals, newspapers, government publications, conference papers, internet materials, reports from international organizations such as UNICEF and the International Labour Organization, and other relevant scholarly materials related to child labour and child welfare.

1.8 Definition of Key Terms

Child

A child refers to any human being below the age of eighteen years who is legally recognized as a minor and requires care, protection, and guidance for proper development.

Child Labour

Child labour refers to any form of exploitative or hazardous work performed by children that interferes with their education, physical growth, emotional wellbeing, moral development, or fundamental human rights.

Street Hawking

Street hawking is the practice whereby children sell goods or services in public places such as roads, markets, and traffic intersections, often under unsafe and exploitative conditions.

Poverty

Poverty refers to the condition in which individuals or households lack adequate financial resources to meet basic human needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education.

Exploitation

Exploitation involves the unfair treatment or use of children for economic gain, often exposing them to harmful conditions, abuse, or deprivation of their rights.

Education

Education refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and competencies through formal or informal learning systems for personal and societal development.

REFERENCES

Ashiomolowo, O. R., Ighodalo, C. A., & Soetan, R. O. (2010). Child street trading and its effect on educational attainment in Lagos State, Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Research, 5(2), 45–53.

Ekpenyong, S. N., & Sibiri, A. E. (2011). Street trading and child labour in Yenagoa. International Journal of Scientific Research in Education, 4(1), 36–46.

International Labour Organization (ILO). (2021). Child Labour: Global Estimates 2020, Trends and the Road Forward. Geneva: ILO.

Ikechebelu, J. I., Udigwe, G. O., Ezechukwu, C. C., Ndinechi, A. G., & Joe-Ikechebelu, N. N. (2008). Sexual abuse among juvenile female street hawkers in Anambra State, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 12(2), 111–119.

Okafor, E. E. (2010). Child labour dynamics and implications for sustainable development in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 12(5), 8–21.

Ojo, M. O. (2013). Street hawking among Nigerian children and its socio-economic implications. Journal of Sociology and Social Work, 2(1), 45–58.

Salawu, I. O., & Adekeye, O. A. (2010). Child labour and attainment of universal basic education in Nigeria. Journal of Social Sciences, 24(3), 191–200.

International Labour Organization
UNICEF