Comrade Christianah Adeboboye, Chairman of NANNM and Vice-Chairman of JNC Lagos, said child labour exposes children to physical, emotional, and psychological harm, while denying them access to quality education and proper development.
She explained that poverty remains a major driver of child labour, forcing some parents to send children into street begging, domestic work, and other hazardous activities. According to her, this creates a cycle of poverty that affects future generations and weakens national productivity.
Adeboboye stressed that children engaged in labour often suffer from poor education outcomes, mental health challenges, and exposure to abuse, while also increasing risks of social instability and crime.
She called for full enforcement of existing laws such as the Child Rights Act, and urged government, schools, parents, and organizations to take shared responsibility in protecting children.
The labour leader also emphasized the need for safe and child-friendly schools, increased access to free quality education, and public awareness on child rights. She further recommended workplace support systems such as crèches for working mothers to improve childcare and reduce child neglect.
She concluded that ending child labour requires collective effort, warning that the failure to protect children today will negatively affect Nigeria’s economic and social future.
