WORKFORCE OF MINORS: AN APPRAISAL OF CHILD LABOUR IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Every nation strives towards ensuring that the futures of its children are bright. Where such future is jeopardized by natural or human factors, the nation is indeed threatened. This paper posits that the major reason for child labour in Nigeria is economic poverty among majority of Nigerians. It is the high rate of poverty in Nigeria that encourages most parents to allow their children to engage in child labour. The study identifies some prevalent forms and causes of child labour in Nigeria. It also examines the negative impact of child labour on the victim, the socio-economic development of the nations among others. The study recommends there should be effective enforcement of existing legislation against child labour with adequate measures to rehabilitate the victims. It also recommends better economic reforms by the government to enable parents and wards take adequate care of their children without recourse to child labour.