GENEVA – Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to enact a law that will prohibit child labour in Nigeria.
The President-General of the congress, Mr Boboi Kaigama, made the call in Geneva, Switzerland, on the side line of the ongoing 103rd Session of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that parents and guardians should respect the rights of the child as every child should be encouraged to acquire education rather than engaging them in forced labour.
“We should make sure that we give some respect to our children by way of not involving them in any form of forced labour.
“They are entitled to free education. So let’s take them to school instead of engaging them in forced labour.’’
NAN reports that every June 12 is observed as the World Day against Child Labour and the day also coincides with the closing date of the 103rd session of the ILO.
According to the ILO, well-designed social protection policies and prompt response to children’s needs can make a difference in the fight against child labour. (NAN)
