FG targets to eliminate child labour by 2030

The Federal Government has unveiled a fresh National Policy on Child Labour and National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026–2030), as part of renewed efforts to eradicate child labour in Nigeria by 2030.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the National Dialogue on Advancing the Implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Child Labour and National Action Plan towards 2030.
Dingyadi said the reviewed policy and action plan would provide a comprehensive roadmap for the prevention, protection, enforcement, rehabilitation, institutional coordination and accountability in the fight against child labour.

He said the initiative was part of Nigeria’s commitment to translating its international commitments into concrete national action following the country’s participation in the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour in Marrakech, Morocco, earlier this year.

According to him, child labour remains a major obstacle to human dignity, social justice and sustainable development, depriving children of their childhood, health, education and future.
He said the union’s legal registration had provided the foundation for its credibility and effective operation, charging its leadership to conduct its affairs strictly in accordance with Nigerian labour laws.

The minister reminded the newly inaugurated officers that freedom of association was guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, urging them to familiarise themselves with the Trade Unions Act and the constitution of the union.

He also charged the leadership to strengthen its membership, maintain accurate records and ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the union’s finances.

Dingyadi directed the union to keep proper financial accounts and subject them to annual audits, stressing that all expenditures must comply with its constitution and relevant laws.
He further urged the executives to conduct elections in accordance with the union’s constitution and established procedures.

Speaking at the event, the National President of the union, Adeyemi Bamidele, said its registration on July 27, 2026, represented the formal recognition of wharf truck owners as a legitimate collective body within Nigeria’s industrial and economic system.

Bamidele described wharf truck owners as critical players in the maritime, transport and logistics chain, noting that efficient cargo evacuation was essential to reducing port congestion and preventing avoidable economic losses. He called for stronger consultation between government and legitimate representatives of wharf truck owners on policies and decisions affecting the sector.

“We seek partnership. We seek consultation. We seek fairness. We seek an efficient and transparent operating environment,” Bamidele said.

He pledged that the union would promote professionalism, discipline and improved working conditions among its members while maintaining peaceful relationships with government agencies, port authorities, terminal operators and other stakeholders.

Bamidele said the union would also resist injustice, touting and extortion, but emphasised that defending members’ interests would not be used as a justification for violating the law.

“Our commitment to defending the interests of our members shall never be an excuse for lawlessness,” he said.

The inaugurated officers are Yekeen Olawale Rilwan, Deputy President; Alli Mohamed, Vice President; Prince Adeniji Olisola, General Secretary; Gbadebo Michael, Assistant General Secretary; Alhaji Awolola Saheed, Treasurer; Lawal Shina, Financial Secretary; Okelola Omogbolahan John, Publicity Secretary/Public Relations Officer; Olowokere Muyudeen, Welfare Officer; and Adeshina Saheed, Organising Secretary.

This version gives the minister’s anti-confrontation warning the strongest news value while retaining