First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called for the acceleration of national efforts to eradicate child labour in all its forms, describing it as a moral and social scourge that robs millions of Nigerian children of their future.
“Let us speed up efforts to end child labour in all ramifications by strengthening our laws, supporting families, and investing in quality education for every child,” the First Lady declared in a statement on Thursday to commemorate the day.
The 2025 global theme is “Let’s speed up efforts! End child labour!”
Senator Tinubu emphasised that it is “unacceptable” that in today’s Nigeria, countless children are still being subjected to work that deprives them of the chance to attend school, grow in safe environments, and pursue their dreams.
“Today, we raise our voices for millions of children whose dreams are stolen by the harsh reality of child labour,” she said.
Her message underscores a growing national and global consensus that child labour remains a major barrier to development and human capital growth, especially in low- and middle-income countries where poverty and weak social systems continue to push vulnerable families into harmful coping mechanisms.
In Nigeria, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) estimates that nearly 26.4 million children are engaged in various forms of labour, often in unsafe conditions and without access to education.
The first lady called for a multi-pronged national response that includes stronger law enforcement, expanded educational access, and comprehensive family support programs that reduce the economic incentives for child labour.
She implored citizens, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to act in concert to protect Nigeria’s future.
“I urge us to work towards building a country where every child is free to thrive, dream, and reach their God-given potential,” the First Lady appealed.
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