NECA warns child labour threatens Nigeria’s economic stability, urging urgent reforms to protect children and strengthen workforce development

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has warned that the persistence of child labour poses a serious long-term threat to Nigeria’s economic stability, workforce development and national productivity if urgent corrective measures are not implemented.

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The warning was issued on the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour, with NECA renewing calls for coordinated national and international action to eliminate child exploitation while improving access to decent work opportunities for adults.

Speaking from the International Labour Organization conference in Geneva, NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde said child labour remains a structural challenge capable of weakening Nigeria’s future economic competitiveness if left unaddressed.

NECA Warns Child Labour Threatens Nigeria’s development trajectory, noting that the issue is closely tied to poverty, unemployment, weak enforcement of labour laws and limited access to quality education.

According to Oyerinde, the continued involvement of children in economic activity undermines both human capital development and long-term national growth prospects.

“Child labour not only robs children of their childhood, but it also erodes the foundation of national development,” he said.

“A nation that allows its children to trade classrooms for workplaces compromises its future workforce, innovation capacity, and economic growth.”

He warned that Nigeria risks facing a reduced skills base and declining labour market competitiveness if the trend is not urgently reversed through sustained policy action and social investment.

The NECA director-general emphasised that tackling child labour requires more than policy declarations, stressing the need for practical interventions that address its root causes.

He identified poverty reduction, expanded access to quality education, and stronger enforcement of existing labour regulations as key priorities in combating the problem.

Oyerinde also called for closer collaboration among governments, employers’ organisations, trade unions, civil society groups and development partners to ensure that supply chains and business operations are free from child exploitation.

He urged businesses to adopt stronger governance frameworks that integrate child protection principles into their operations and procurement systems.

“Fair play for children means allowing them to enjoy their childhood, receive quality education, and develop their talents,” he said.

“Decent work for adults means creating jobs that provide dignity, security, social protection and sufficient income to support families.”

He added that both objectives are mutually reinforcing and essential for building a sustainable and inclusive economy.

“These two objectives are inseparable. Education, not exploitation. Protection, not child labour. Decent work, decent future. Every child has the right to learn, grow, and dream,” he said.

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The warning aligns with global efforts led by the International Labour Organization to eliminate child labour, as stakeholders continue to push for accelerated progress toward international eradication targets and improved labour standards worldwide.