Over 50% of Nigerian children engage in economic activities – NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has unveiled staggering findings, indicating that approximately 50.5% of Nigerian children aged between 5 and 17 are actively involved in economic pursuits. This revelation stems from the NBS report titled “Nigeria Child Labour and Forced Labour Survey 2022,” which was made public on Thursday.

The term “child labour,” as defined by the bureau, encompasses work that either exceeds children’s capacity or poses risks to their physical and mental well-being.

The report discloses that out of the total children within the 5 to 17 age bracket in Nigeria, a substantial 39.2% are ensnared in child labour, while an alarming 22.9% are subjected to hazardous work conditions.

Regionally, the North-west geopolitical zone emerges with the highest figures, harboring significant numbers of children engaged in both child labour and hazardous occupations.

Surprisingly, despite having a lower count, the South-east region registers the highest prevalence of child labour, standing at 49.9%.

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Further analysis reveals that the majority of children involved in child labour are primarily engaged in self-use production tasks, such as gathering firewood and fetching water. Additionally, the report notes stark discrepancies between rural and urban settings, with rural areas witnessing higher engagement in work-related activities.

An eye-opening aspect of the report highlights the significant time dedication children allocate to work, particularly in rural areas, where they spend notably more hours compared to their urban counterparts. This stark contrast underscores the challenges faced by children in different socio-economic environments.

Moreover, the report underscores the intersectionality of gender and labor, with girls predominantly shouldering household chores alongside economic activities, while boys are more inclined towards economic pursuits.

Despite efforts to address child labour, the report paints a grim picture of the reality faced by many Nigerian children, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to safeguard their rights and well-being.

In conclusion, the NBS report serves as a wake-up call, urging stakeholders to prioritize initiatives aimed at eradicating child labour and fostering environments conducive to children’s holistic development.