Child
labour remains a major source of concern in Nigeria, in spite of legislative
measures. Child labour is defined as work that is mentally, physically,
socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children and deprives them of
opportunities for schooling and development.
According to the International Labour Organization, the
number of working children under the age of 14 in Nigeria is estimated at 15
million. The high level of diverse and tedious jobs that children execute in
dangerous circumstances is particularly worrying. These jobs include being
street vendors, beggars, car washers or watchers and shoe shiners. Others work
as apprentice mechanics, hairdressers and bus conductors while a large number
work as domestic servants and farm hands.
Girls
start working at an earlier age than boys, particularly in the rural areas.
They also suffer the triple burden of housework, school work and work out of
home whether paid or unpaid. One of the most common practices is the use of
children as child domestics –especially girls.
Major causes of child labour are widespread poverty, rapid
urbanisation, breakdown in extended family afiliations, high school drop out
rates, and lack of enforcement of legal instruments meant to protect children.
Traditionally, children have worked with their families, but today children are
forced to work for their own and their family’s survival. The money earned by
child family members has become a significant part of poor families’ income.
These children who work suffer from fatigue, irregular
attendance at school, lack of comprehension and motivation, improper
socialisation, exposure to risk of sexual abuse, high likelihood of being
involved in crime.
These young girls
should be in school but instead they are in the market hawking food items
because their families need the extra income.
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