StatiSense, a datatech firm, has reported that at least over half of children aged 5-17 years in Nigeria engage in different sorts of economic activities, reflecting the deep-seated socio-economic challenges in the country.
The data firm, in a report published via its X handled revealed that the eastern parts of Nigeria comprising of Northeast and Southeast are the leading the country in child-economic struggles.
The report said the South East region tops the chart in the country with 60.9% of children engaging in widespread street trading and domestic labour among children in urban centres.
The North East, according to StatiSense, came second and tops the northern regions with 59.7% of children involved in laborious economic activities.
The North Central and the South-South regions followed with 54.8% and 54.2% child labour prevalence respectively.
The report noted that North West and South West have the least child engagement in economic activities in the country with 45.4% and 40.0% respectively.
These figures contribute to the national average of 50.5%, revealing the widespread reliance on child labour for household survival in the current economic downturn in the country.
Regional Differences
WikkiTimes review of the reports suggests that the two regions enmeshed in crisis and other development issues top the chart of the prevalence of the hard labour on children.
In the North East, Boko Haram insurgency has taken toll on the people which already has lowest development in indices and highest poverty rate in Nigeria.
Similarly, the South East struggles to contain violent agitations of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which has become a major securiyt threat in the region.
While the data indicates that the South-South zone struggles with oil-related environmental degradation and poverty, which limit opportunities for families to send their children to school, the North West appears to be doing better in the country and best in the North.
However, the South West’s comparatively lower rate of 40.0% reflects better socio-economic conditions and wider access to education than any other region.
Northern Perspective
The persistent problem in the North has far-reaching implications. Beyond immediate concerns of exploitation and deprivation, child labour limits access to education and healthcare, perpetuating intergenerational cycles of poverty.
The cultural Almajiri system, prevalent in the North, further complicates efforts to reduce child labour. While the system traditionally focuses on Islamic education, it often leaves children vulnerable to economic exploitation.
Northern Nigeria grapples with entrenched poverty, insecurity, and cultural norms that drive child labour.
The North East, ravaged by insurgency and displacement, exhibits one of the highest rates of child economic activity.
The conflict has disrupted families, forcing children into labour-intensive roles such as farming, hawking, and domestic work to supplement household income.
In the North Central, communal clashes and limited economic opportunities have similarly pushed children into early economic responsibilities.
Although the North West records a relatively lower percentage, it is still concerning, reflecting the widespread reliance on child labour due to structural socio-economic issues.
Consequences
Child labour compromises education, with many children unable to attend school consistently or at all.
The report implies that cycle of poverty, which drives this kind of child labour, undermines national development. Northern states, with their higher rates, face a steeper challenge in addressing these issues due to weak infrastructure and policy implementation.
Babaji Usman Babaji is an investigative journalist with over four years of experience, renowned for his impactful reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and holding those in power accountable in Nigeria.
His career is distinguished by participation in numerous media training programs and conferences, which have honed his investigative and reporting skills. Babaji’s data-driven stories have made a significant impact, particularly in Northern Nigeria, shedding light on critical issues and driving meaningful change.
As a reporter under WikkiTimes’ Collaborative Media (CMEDIA) Project, Babaji has led several groundbreaking investigations. He was a 2022 fellow of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and a 2024 Media Foundation for West Africa DPI/DPG fellow. His contributions to accountability journalism earned him a Certificate of Recognition from Xchange Hama Media for impactful community work.
