Nigeria: Launches National Child Labour Action Plan 2026-2030

• President Bola Tinubu has declared the elimination of child labour a national development priority for Nigeria.
• The National Child Labour Policy and the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026-2030) were officially launched, alongside the 2024 National Child Labour Survey Report.
• The government plans to strengthen labour inspections, child protection mechanisms, and social safety nets like the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.
• Nigeria, as an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Country, is committed to stronger enforcement of the Child Rights Act and other child protection laws.
• Employers are specifically mandated to ensure their supply chains are free of child labour, signaling increased scrutiny for businesses.

Employers were charged with the responsibility of ensuring that their supply chains are entirely free of child labour, highlighting the need for robust due diligence and ethical sourcing practices.

Nigeria has officially launched its comprehensive National Child Labour Policy and the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026-2030), signaling a renewed commitment to eradicating the practice. The unveiling, which took place in Abuja, also saw the release of the 2024 National Child Labour Survey Report. President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, underscored the critical importance of this initiative, declaring the elimination of child labour a paramount national development priority.

President Tinubu emphasized that the issue extends beyond mere labour concerns, impacting fundamental aspects of national progress. He highlighted its detrimental effects on education, poverty reduction, economic growth, food security, human capital development, and national security. The President articulated a vision where no child is forced into labour, thereby losing opportunities, confidence, health, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to the nation's future. His administration's approach, known as the Tinubu child labour policy Nigeria, aims to tackle the root causes of child labour through intensified efforts.

The administration's strategy involves a multi-faceted approach to bolster existing frameworks and introduce new interventions. Key areas of focus include strengthening labour administration and inspection systems, enhancing child protection mechanisms, and implementing targeted programs to address underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate access to quality education, and social exclusion. Education, in particular, was identified as a crucial safeguard against child labour, prompting ongoing reforms aimed at out-of-school children, education data management, teacher development, and skills acquisition.

Further reinforcing social safety nets, the government is expanding initiatives like the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, designed to boost school attendance while simultaneously combating hunger and nutritional deficiencies among vulnerable children. Additionally, programs such as the NG-CARES Additional Financing Programme and the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Programme are being strengthened. These initiatives are designed to expand economic opportunities and empower parents and caregivers to secure decent livelihoods, thereby removing the economic pressures that often force children into work.

Nigeria's commitment to child protection is further demonstrated by its ongoing efforts to strengthen the Nigeria Child Rights Act enforcement and other relevant child protection laws. The administration previously launched the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children in Nigeria (2024-2030) in 2025, indicating a sustained focus on safeguarding children's welfare. Measures are also being implemented to enhance safety within schools, particularly in vulnerable and high-risk regions.

As an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Country Nigeria, the nation accepts its responsibility to lead by example in the global fight against child labour. The newly launched National Child Labour Policy and the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026-2030) serve as a practical roadmap, translating international commitments into measurable national actions. The theme for the 2026 commemoration, “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” encapsulates Nigeria's resolve to eliminate child exploitation.

President Tinubu issued a clear call to action for various stakeholders, urging state governments to actively support the implementation of the National Action Plan. He specifically appealed to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum to champion child protection initiatives across all states. This broad appeal underscores the need for a unified national effort to achieve the plan's objectives.

Crucially, employers were charged with the responsibility of ensuring that their supply chains are entirely free of child labour, highlighting the need for robust due diligence and ethical sourcing practices. Workers’ organizations were also urged to contribute to these efforts. This directive has significant implications for businesses operating within Nigeria, particularly those with complex supply chains, necessitating a thorough review of their child labour policies and compliance frameworks to align with the newly articulated national priorities.

Compliance officers and legal counsel for businesses operating in Nigeria, particularly those with complex supply chains, must review their child labour policies and due diligence processes to align with the newly launched National Action Plan (2026-2030). Increased scrutiny and enforcement of the Child Rights Act and labour inspections are anticipated, requiring proactive risk assessment and compliance updates.

Source: Original reporting via The Punch