180m children engaged in child labour globally

The Enugu Zonal Coordinator, National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic In Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP), Mrs. Nkiruka Michael, has said 180 million children are engaged in child labour globally.

Michael released the figure in Afikpo weekend at the 2013 Women General Assembly (August Meeting) for the Southern Senatorial zone.

According to her, it is estimated that more than 180 million children globally are engaged in worst forms of child labour.

“Those subjected to child labour are under the control and at the mercy of their employers, as they rarely have access to education and are subjected to physical, sexual and psychological abuse.

“These children are too young to do the jobs assigned to them, are engaged in long hours while doing the jobs, are paid too little for the jobs, are subjected under dangerous working environment, among others,” she said.

The Zonal Commander noted that recent amendment of NAPTIP Acts clearly prohibits children working outside the family setting.

“This is construed to be an introduction of ‘foreign cultures’ by many Nigerians, as exploitation at the expenses of children’s developmental needs increases illiteracy and poverty.

“The exploitation comes in deceptive forms which include promise to sell in big supermarkets, hair dressing saloons in the city, promise of marriage abroad, promise to be models abroad, promise to play for foreign football club, among others,” he said.

She noted that these forms of degradation have devastating impact on victims which necessitated the call to nip the trend in the bud.

“The children suffer from trauma and depression, loss of childhood and education, unwanted pregnancies, early motherhood, stigmatisation, high risks of contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases, among others,” he said.
Michael commended the Ebonyi government for being in the fore-front in the fight against child-labour and trafficking, as the menace had drastically reduced in the state.

“There is still need to promote awareness, knowledge and understanding of Trafficking in Persons through the use of information, education and communication materials, workshops, seminars, among others.

“NAPTIP has been prosecuting child trafficking offenders as we are in collaboration with agencies and countries in information sharing, investigation, rehabilitation of victims among others,” he said.

Mrs Chinedu Ekoh, Wife of Afikpo North Council Chairman, said that women in the area would be enlightened on the dangers of child labour and trafficking for them to adequately protect their children.