The International Labour Organisation has taken a significant step towards combating child labour in Nigeria’s artisanal small-scale gold mining supply chains.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that through its ACCEL Africa Project, the ILO held workshops in Niger and Osun States from February 18-27, 2025, to empower stakeholders and representatives from government, employers, workers’ organisations, and community leaders.
Disclosing this in a press statement obtained by our correspondent Mrs Celine Oni, National Project Coordinator of the ACCEL Africa Phase II Project, representing the Director, ILO Country Office, Dr. Vanessa Phala, said “The objective of the workshop is to enhance capacities of stakeholders and institutions involved in the fight against child labour.”
The workshops aimed to eliminate child labor and uphold best practices in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector. Participants discussed and demonstrated skills and knowledge to effectively develop, advocate, and implement policies and strategies aimed at eradicating child labour.
Hauwa Zakariyya, Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) in Niger State, emphasised the importance of occupational safety and health, saying, “It is everyone’s business, and it should never be underestimated. When safety is neglected, accidents are bound to occur.”
Zakariyya also highlighted the significance of educating miners to enhance safety and avoid tragedies, particularly in the wake of incidents like the one in the Kuchiko community, where accidents resulted in many casualties, including children.
Mr Solomon Ayinde Alabi, State Controller for the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Osun State, expressed gratitude for Osun State’s inclusion in the Phase II project. He noted that despite not being fully integrated in Phase I, the state would now benefit from the experiences gained in other regions, such as Ondo and Niger States.
Alabi also reported a significant reduction in out-of-school children in the Ibala community, attributing this success to the activities of the Community Child Labour Monitoring Committees (CCLMC). He appealed to parents, guardians, and communities to intensify their commitment to fighting child labor.
During the workshop, participants visited artisanal mining fields to observe mining practices and identify inherent hazards. They also interacted with local miners, children, and other stakeholders.
Lawali Yusufa, a 13-year-old miner from Korokwa mining field in Minna, shared his story, saying, “I am working here because my parents cannot afford to sponsor me through school. I want to make enough money to start going to school like my mates.”
Ibrahim, an 11-year-old errand boy from Idoka mining field in Osun, expressed his dream of becoming a miner when he grows up, despite the dangers involved.
Our correspondent reports that the training initiative is expected to significantly improve the ability of committees to act as the first line of defence in the fight against child labour in Nigeria’s cocoa and gold mining sectors.
