Child Labour In Nigeria Research Articles

Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria: Exploring the Actions of Social Work Practitioners

Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria: Exploring the Actions of Social Work Practitioners

Television News Framing of Child Labour in Nigeria: Analysing Responsibility for Causes and Solutions

Television News Framing of Child Labour in Nigeria: Analysing Responsibility for Causes and Solutions

Realization of the Rights of the Girl Child in Nigeria: Child Marriage in View

Child marriage is a human rights violation that prevents girls from obtaining an education, enjoying optimal haealth, maturing, and ultimately choosing their own life partners. Current studies reveal that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world. The victims of this inhuman practice are girls. In Nigeria, the practice of child marriage is mostly found in the northern part of the country. In Nigeria, Child marriage is driven by weak legal sanctions against child-marriage, cultural beliefs and traditional practices, religious beliefs, socio-economic challenges, lack of education and empowerment of the girl-child. Child marriage has many effects on the girl child’s health such as increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), cervical cancer, death during childbirth, and obstetric fistulas. Child marriage also affects the psychological and mental health of the girl child. This paper discusses the factors that engender child marriage in the society, the effects of child marriage on the girl-child, and canvasses that a holistic approach must be taken to curb this menace of child marriage in Nigeria. This involves the law and socio-economic approaches to tackle child marriage. The paper makes several recommendations to prevent child-marriage including, nation-wide adoption and enforcement of the Child Rights Act 2003, criminalization of child marriage and punishment of perpetrators of child-marriage, awareness and enlightenment campaigns on the varied implications of child-marriage, among others.

Dignity or Indignity of Labour: Tales of Child Labourers on a Nigerian Street

This research delves into the nature, and socio-economic conditions of child labourers in Fagge Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria. Employing an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study aims at uncovering the root causes, characteristics, and potential solutions to child labor in the specified region. Four specific objectives guide the research: 1) identifying the causes of child labor, 2) understanding the nature of child labor, 3) exploring the socio-economic conditions of children engaged in labour, and 4) proposing strategies to eliminate child labour. The study, based on qualitative data gathered from ten child labourers in Fagge Local Government Area, reveals that extreme poverty and the pursuit of survival drive children into labor. Surprisingly, the participants derive a sense of dignity from their work, viewing it as a preferable alternative to begging or stealing. The findings also underscore the sacrifice of education for work, not due to a lack of awareness of its value, but rather stemming from the impoverished socio-economic conditions of parents. A critical revelation is the absence of statistical records and social intervention programmes on child labour in the study area, highlighting the need for increased public awareness, robust social interventions, and stringent law enforcement to combat the menace of child labour. This research contributes to the discourse on child labour in Nigeria, offering insights into the lived experiences of those directly affected and proposing holistic strategies for eradication.

Impact of Street Hawking on Children's Academic Wellbeing: A Critical Assessment

Child street hawking is emerging as a significant public health concern in developing countries like Nigeria, primarily driven by poverty and resulting in the continuous migration of people to urban areas in search of livelihood. Despite existing legislation addressing child labor in Nigeria, the prevalence of street hawking persists due to inadequate implementation and enforcement. Moreover, traditional beliefs regarding children as contributors to the family's socioeconomic well-being further perpetuate this practice in African societies. Familyrelated factors also contribute to the involvement of children in street hawking. However, child hawkers face numerous hazards, including physical violence, loss of merchandise, accidents, robbery, kidnapping, and even murder for ritualistic purposes. They are also vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, insect and reptile bites, hunger, and deprivation. Of great concern is the risk of sexual exploitation and forced prostitution, leading to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This paper examines the impact of street hawking on children's academic well-being and emphasizes the fundamental right of all children to receive basic education and quality learning opportunities. It underscores the need for legislation prohibiting street hawking by children, with legal repercussions for both parents and children involved in the practice. Prioritizing education and safeguarding children from the dangers of street hawking is essential for their holistic development and future societal contributions. Keywords: Street Hawking, Child Labor, Academic Wellbeing, Legislation, Child Rights

Evaluating the impact of using storytelling and visual multimedia music intervention to improve knowledge of the Child Rights Act and reduce the propensity to engage in child marriage

Child marriage has continued to rear its ugly head in Nigerian society. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of storytelling and multimedia music interventions in improving knowledge of the Child Rights Act and reducing the propensity to engage in child marriage. The researchers applied a quasi-experimental design and collected data using a structured questionnaire. The children were assigned into three groups (control, storytelling and multimedia music) of 173 participants. It was found that the interventions were effective. In particular, while storytelling contributed more to reducing the propensity to engage in child marriage, multimedia music contributed more to improving knowledge of the Child Rights Act. These results suggest that storytelling and multimedia music interventions can be effective approaches for addressing the lingering problem of child marriage in Nigeria.

Impact of Visual Multimedia Intervention on Perception, Knowledge and Intention Towards Child Marriage Among Children in Northern Nigeria

This study examined the impact of visual multimedia intervention in addressing the menace of child marriage in Nigeria. The researchers found that at baseline, the children reported a positive perception of child marriage, low knowledge of its health hazards as well as positive behaviour intention towards it. After the intervention, there was a remarkable difference between children in the control group and those in the treatment group. Children who received the intervention (unlike those who did not receive it) reported a negative perception of child marriage, better knowledge of its health hazards and reduced propensity to engage in child marriage.

Ocio-Economic Factors That Influence Child Labour in Nigeria

This study examined the socio-economic factors influencing child labour in Nigeria. The instruments for data collection were the questionnaire and the in-depth interview schedules. The sample size used for the study was 621 (615 for the quantitative distribution and 6 for the IDIs). The quantitative data gathered were analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences using percentages (%) and Chi-square (χ2) statistics was used to test the three hypotheses, while the qualitative data gathered was analysed in themes as complement to the quantitative data. The study found that religious sex (χ2 = (615), .081; df = 1, pے =.776), education (χ2 = (N615), 2.024; df = 1, pے =.155) and marital status (χ2 = (N=615), .055; df = 1, pے =.815) had no statistically significant relationship with the effect of child labour practice while only age (χ2= (N=615), 14.577; df=1, pے =.000) had a statistical significant relationship. Furthermore, sex (χ2 = (N=615), .678; df = 1, pے =.410), marital status (χ2 = (N= 615), .012; df = 1, pے =.911), religious affiliation (χ2 = (N=615), .003; df = 1, pے =.957), education (χ2 = (N= 615), .310; df = 1, pے =.578) and occupation (χ2 = (N=615), .849; df = 1, pے =.357) showed no statistically significant relationship with the influence of child labour practices. Three hypotheses were tested and they were all accepted. Results from the regression analysis showed that only marital status had the most positive influence on child labour pratices. Results from the study has shown that child labour practices have negative effect on the child, thus, there is the need to eradicate all forms of child labour through championing sensitization and enlightenment programmes. Also, people who still choose to engage children in child labour after these sensitization and enlightenment programmes should be severely punished by the law to deter others from engaging in such acts. Finally, the study revealed that, government, youth corps members, community leaders and the general public have a role to play in putting an end to the socio-economic factors influencing child labour practices in Nigeria.

Child Labor: The Human Trafficking Exploitation in Nigeria.

This paper examines the issue of child labor and human trafficking exploitation in Nigeria. These practices deprive children of educational opportunities and normal childhood development, propagating cycles of poverty. Various cultural, socioeconomic, and religious drivers enable the persistence of child labor despite legislative interventions. This study utilizes mixed-methods data involving qualitative and quantitative approaches to explore the nature, contributors, and impacts of child labor in Nigeria by reviewing scholarly journals, reports, statistical data, and policy documents. Factors analyzed include cultural attitudes, poverty, porous borders, gender norms, and the breakdown of Islamic educational apprenticeships. Consequences across health, psychology, education, and national growth are scrutinized. Governmental efforts and remaining gaps are assessed. Results revealed that cultural acceptance of child economic roles, especially for girls, and endemic poverty drive families to perpetuate child labor traditions. Economic integration policies enable trafficking across West African borders. Nigeria’s Almajiri Qur’anic education system has deteriorated, with many boys now begging or working for survival rather than studying. The result is vulnerability to further exploitation. A novel finding from this study revealed that about 80.5% of participants responded that their child labor experiences did not affect their education, contrasting existing research that found child labor to limit schooling in Nigeria. Few victims develop lifelong health issues and trauma. In some cases, erratic education also propagates intergenerational poverty. Although Nigeria has implemented institutional interventions, enforcement gaps allow child labor to persist. Extended research into policy efficacy and poverty reduction initiatives are warranted to alleviate cultural and economic strains compelling child labor to neglect human rights.

Evaluating the Influence of International Conventions on Child Marriage in Nigeria: Progress towards Achieving SDG Target 5.3 by 2030

Evaluating the Influence of International Conventions on Child Marriage in Nigeria: Progress towards Achieving SDG Target 5.3 by 2030

Doomed Fate for the Nigerian Child? A Theoretical Analysis of the Economic and Legal Ramifications of Child Labour in Nigeria

Doomed Fate for the Nigerian Child? A Theoretical Analysis of the Economic and Legal Ramifications of Child Labour in Nigeria

A protocol for a controlled, pre-post intervention study to change attitudes toward child marriage in Southwestern Nigeria using targeted radio programming.

Child marriage hinders progress toward population health and development goals. Cost effective interventions that address the root causes of child marriage are needed to speed progress toward ending the practice. Nigeria is home to the largest number of married girls in Africa and many of these girls are members of the Hausa ethnic group, making efforts to tackle this issue particularly urgent among this population. Radio programs have the potential to inform large numbers of people about the harms of child marriage and change their support for the practice at low cost. We will develop a series of radio programs that address gender inequitable attitudes that motivate child marriage among Hausa communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. The content of the series will be based on input from the Hausa community. A baseline survey that measures knowledge of and support for child marriage will be conducted among randomly selected samples of Hausa adults in two cities: Ibadan, which will serve as the intervention site, and Akure, the control site. The radio programs will then air on Hausa-language stations in Ibadan over a three-month period, with the aim of informing persons of the potential harms of child marriage and reducing their support for the practice. A follow-up survey with the same individuals surveyed at baseline will be conducted in both cities. We will measure the impact of this intervention by comparing changes in these outcomes over time in the intervention site (Ibadan) with changes in the same outcomes in the control site (Akure). This study will investigate whether a series of targeted radio programs can reduce support for child marriage. The intervention is readily scalable and cost-effective and, if it effectively shifts attitudes toward child marriage, could represent a promising way of addressing child marriage in Nigeria.

Differentials in girl-child marriage and high fertility in Nigeria.

In a patriarchal and natural fertility society like Nigeria, girl-child marriage is synonymous with early sexual debut and a prolonged childbearing period, ultimately affecting fertility outcomes and behaviours. This study explored the differentials in child marriage in Nigeria across socio-economic and regional groups, and its association with fertility. The study analysed secondary data pertaining to women aged 15-49 who were currently or previously married from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. About 54 percent of Nigerian women married before their eighteenth birthday. The prevalence of child marriage was high in the rural areas (61 percent), in the North West (78 percent) and the North East (70 percent) of Nigeria. Child-brides have higher fertility than women who entered marital life as adults (TFR 6.8 vs 5.9). The early entry into marriage by most women in Nigeria has a profound influence on overall fertility, given that an overwhelming majority of births in Nigeria take place within marriage. Through advocacy and social mobilization, families, communities, and religious leaders will understand the hazards of child marriage and their role and responsibility in eradicating it and empowering the girl-child through formal education.

Child Marriage in Nigeria under the Various Human Right Instruments and Islamic Law

Child Marriage in Nigeria under the Various Human Right Instruments and Islamic Law

Spatial distribution and multilevel analysis of factors associated with child marriage in Nigeria.

Child marriage among women has become a major threat to the rights of women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The marriage of girls below age 18 y is a major public and global health challenge. Therefore, this study examined the spatial pattern and factors associated with child marriage in Nigeria. The data were sourced from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The study included a total of 4283 young women aged 20-24 y. The findings were provided in the form of spatial maps and adjusted ORs (aORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Hotspot areas for child marriage in Nigeria were located in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Niger, Borno, Gombe, and Adamawa. The prevalence of child marriage in Nigeria was 41.50%. The likelihood of child marriage in Nigeria was high among those currently working (aOR=1.31; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.55) compared with young women who were not working. On the other hand, young women whose partners had secondary education and above (aOR=0.57; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.73) were less likely to report child marriage in Nigeria compared with those whose partners had no education. The findings of the study indicate that there are several hotspots in Nigeria that need to be targeted when implementing interventions aimed at eliminating child marriage in the country.

A multilevel analysis of prevalence and factors associated with female child marriage in Nigeria using the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data

BackgroundGlobally, there has been a decline in female child marriage (FCM) from 1 in 4 girls married a decade ago to approximately 1 in 5 currently. However, this decline is not homogenous because some regions are still experiencing a high prevalence of FCM. As such, the United Nations reiterated the need for concentrated efforts towards ending FCM to avoid more than 120 million girls getting married before their eighteenth birthday by 2030. Following this, we examined the prevalence and factors associated with FCM in Nigeria using multi-level analysis.MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from the women’s file of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in 2018. A sample of 4143 young women aged 20–24 was included in the study. Our analysis involved descriptive, chi-square (χ2) and multi-level analyses. Results were presented in percentages, frequencies, and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their respective confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe prevalence of FCM in 2018 was 65.30%. Young Muslim women aged 20–24 [aOR = 1.40; 95% CI (4.73–7.52)], those with parity between one and two [aOR = 5.96, 95% CI 4.73–7.52], those residing in North East [aOR = 1.55; 95% CI (1.19–2.10)] and North West [aOR = 1.59; 95% CI (1.18–2.16)] had a higher odd of practicing FCM respondents with secondary education and above [aOR = 0.36; 95% CI (0.29–0.46)], those within the richer wealth index [aOR = 0.35; 95% CI (0.23–0.54)] and young women living in communities with high literacy level [aOR = 0.74; 95% CI (0.59–0.92)] were less likely to get married before age 18 years.ConclusionOur findings indicate that FCM is high in Nigeria. Formal education, being rich and living in communities with high literacy levels were some protective factors that can be strengthened to ensure that FCM is reduced or eliminated in Nigeria. On the other hand, residing in North-East or North-West and having children between one and two were some prevailing factors that exacerbated the odds of experiencing FCM in Nigeria. Therefore, attention should be channelled towards mitigating these prevailing negative factors.

Preventing and Eliminating Child Marriage in Africa: The Perspectives from Nigeria

Child marriage is a global scourge and remains prevalent in many parts of Africa particularly in Nigeria’s northern region where many girls are given away in marriage without their consent. Child marriage violates the human rights of the affected girl-child and increases their risks for several negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes, including maternal morbidity and mortality. The United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) report of 2021 confirmed that although child marriage is becoming less common globally, the rate of progress is not fast enough to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of eliminating child marriage by 2030 as child marriage still affects 650 million girls worldwide. The amount of progress is uneven across regions, between countries and within countries. The least reductions have been observed in Sub- Saharan Africa where child marriage is presently most prevalent. As the most populous country in the African region, Nigeria reportedly has the highest number of child brides with an estimated 44% of the girls married before their 18th birthday. This has been rated as one of the highest globally and rates are not likely to decrease soon as girls, especially those living in northern Nigeria, are living in one of the most difficult times due to factors like armed conflict, kidnapping, COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession. Preliminary investigation confirmed that tradition and culture still play a dominant role in the operation of the practice of child marriage in Nigeria and Africa in general. This article proposed inter alia, that for effectiveness, interventions aimed at reducing and eliminating child marriage in Nigeria must give considerable attention to culturally-laden social norms that vary by ethnic groups as well as religious-related beliefs. Keywords: Child marriage, Girl-child, Child bride, Prevalence, Elimination, Prevention, Progress, Nigeria, Africa. DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/119-03 Publication date: March 31 st 2022

Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria: The Maternal and Child Health Country-Wide Policy

Reduction in child marriage is highly correlated with a decline in maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Nigeria has taken a step to reduce child marriage through the Child Rights Act; however, 11 states in the Northeast and Northwest are yet to implement these laws despite the documented benefits. Estimates predict that a 70% reduction of maternal deaths can be achieved by a 10% reduction in child marriage. Additionally, the $7.6 billion lost in earning and productivity of human capital from child marriage annually can be averted. A reduction in child marriage can also decrease violence against girls and improve educational level attainment. We propose that the Nigerian government should enact the Maternal and Child Health Country-wide Policy to give a national security treatment to maternal and child health matters. It will ensure that policies passed at the federal level with the potential to reduce maternal and child mortality can be automatically adopted nationwide.

Epidemiology and health consequences of early marriage: focus on Delta State Nigeria

Early marriage occurs for several reasons including gender inequality, poverty, insecurity and tradition. Marrying at such a young age means that these young girls are forced into sexual relations and often get pregnant when they are not ready, causing health challenges and adding to the health burden in developing countries. This paper reviews the epidemiology of early marriage with particular regards to the public health concepts and negative consequences of early marriage. This was a narrative review of previous works on early marriage. Evaluations included the statistics of the negative consequences on women and how best the practices have been ameliorated to its barest minimum. No data available on the previous works dearth of contextualized epidemiological information about Delta State Nigeria. However, available data shows as high as 88% prevalence rate of child marriage in Nigeria, with unexpected pregnancy at 23% being the major cause, maternal mortality at 90%, VVF over 500,000–1,000,000 reported annually in developing countries as the major health consequences. The causes, consequences and prevalence of early marriage constitute reasons for public health concerns to stem the tide. Willful and urgent attention is needed to prevent the pitiable situation of the victims, especially girls. Health literacy is a primary healthcare concept of community educational outreach to adopt.

Unabated Menace of Child Marriage in Nigeria. The Need for an Enabling Constitutional Provision

This paper examines the menace of unabated child marriage in Nigeria. It defines child marriage in tandem with marriageable age. It examines the applicable laws and international instruments on child marriage.The paper posits that child marriage remains prevalent especially in northern Nigeria because the practice of child marriage is accepted within the applicable customary law of the people. Despite the laudable provisions of the Child Rights Act of 2003, it has failed in tackling child marriage due mainly to the non-enactment of the law by northern States in Nigeria except Jigawa. Addressing this problem in Nigeria is crucial for the protection and realization of the child rights, especially the girl child. The paper concludes that early marriage as it pertains to marriageable age be made a fundamental right under chapter iv of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and multi-faceted approaches through mass enlightenment and grassroot door-to-door campaign is necessary to tackle the menace of child marriage. Keywords: Child marriage, unabated menace,Child Rights Act 2003,Constitutional provisions, marriageable age . DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/98-24 Publication date: June 30th 2020