CHILD LABOUR IN NIGERIA AND THE LAW: THE WAY FORWARD

Abstract

The issue of child labour in Nigeria is a complex and pressing challenge that demands comprehensive examination and thoughtful consideration. Although, Nigeria is a signatory to various international instruments that prohibits child labour and exploitation, and at its domestic level has extensive laws which addresses the issue of child labour and exploitation, child labour is still a widespread practise in Nigeria. This paper argues that the continued incidence of child labour in Nigeria is as a result of inadequate practical implementation of laws which prohibits child labour. This paper examines the specific shortcomings within the Nigerian legal system that contribute to the failure in preventing child labour while analyzing specific international best practices on the protection of children against child labour. This paper therefore seeks to contribute to the development of a more coherent and comprehensive legal framework for combating child labour in the country and litany of tips on ending or abolishing child labour in Nigeria.