ILO Urges Full, Effective Implementation of Action Plan on Child Labour

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

International Labour Organization (ILO) has expressed the need to ensure proper implementation of Nigeria’s National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan (2026–2030).

Director, ILO Country Office Abuja, Dr. Vanessa Phala, made the appeal in Abuja at the validation workshop of the National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan (2026–2030) for the elimination of child labour in Nigeria.

Phala said the call had become both urgent and essential, adding that Nigeria, as a leader in Sub-Saharan Africa, has both the responsibility and the opportunity to take decisive action.

Phala stated, “The Policy and Action Plan we are validating today, represent hope for millions of Nigerian children. Let us therefore commit not only to their adoption, but to their full and effective implementation.

“Together, we can build a Nigeria where every child is free from exploitation, safe, and able to learn and thrive.”

Phala said the validated policy document emerged from the review of the 2022 National Child Labour Survey Global and regional frameworks, including “ILO Conventions 138 and 182, the Marrakech Roadmap, the African Union Ten-Year Action Plan and the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan Importantly, they reflect a shift toward results, accountability, and measurable impact”.

She stated, “This integrated approach is essential to addressing the root causes of child labour. As we validate these documents, we must also look ahead.

“The real work begins with implementation. This will require: Adequate financing, Strong coordination across institutions Effective monitoring and reporting continued stakeholder engagement. The ILO remains fully committed to supporting Nigeria in translating this Plan into real and lasting change.”

According to her, the development of the national action plan was supported by the European Union, through the FMM West Africa II Project, and the government of the Netherlands, through the ACCEL Africa II Project, whose generous support made the process possible.

The Director of the Inspectorate Department at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, said the National Policy established the strategic direction and guiding principles for preventing and eliminating child labour in Nigeria, while the National Action Plan outlined specific actions, responsibilities, timelines, indicators, and resource requirements necessary for achieving the desired outcomes.