Growing Up Too Fast: Child Labour and Stolen Childhoods in Nigerian Markets and Homes

Published

1 week ago

July 13, 2026

By Osadebe Success

The first light of dawn has barely broken when 11-year-old Chinedu begins arranging sachets of water in a wheelbarrow at a busy market in Benin City. While children his age prepare for school or enjoy the comfort of home, he is already chasing customers through crowded streets. Across Nigeria, this scene is repeated daily as thousands of children exchange classrooms and playgrounds for markets, workshops, farms, and private homes. For many of them, childhood has become a luxury they cannot afford.

Child labour remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing social challenges. Despite laws designed to protect children’s rights, many boys and girls are forced into work because of poverty, family hardship, insecurity, and limited access to quality education. Instead of learning, playing, and developing their talents, they spend long hours carrying heavy loads, hawking goods, washing clothes, cooking, farming, or working as domestic servants.

A walk through many Nigerian markets reveals children selling fruits, bottled water, snacks, vegetables, and household items under the scorching sun. Some weave dangerously through traffic to make sales, exposing themselves to road accidents, exploitation, and abuse. Others are sent to beg on the streets or work in mechanic workshops where they handle dangerous tools without adequate protection. These children are not merely helping their families—they are sacrificing their childhoods.

The situation is equally alarming in many homes. Young domestic workers, some barely in their teenage years, wake before everyone else to clean, cook, fetch water, wash clothes, and care for younger children. While some employers treat them with kindness and respect, others subject them to verbal abuse, physical punishment, poor nutrition, excessive workloads, and denial of education. Hidden behind the walls of private homes, their suffering often goes unnoticed.

For many families, the decision to send a child to work is born out of desperation rather than choice. Rising inflation, unemployment, and economic hardship have made it increasingly difficult for parents to provide even the most basic necessities. Faced with these realities, some believe allowing their children to contribute financially is essential for survival. However, the long-term consequences are devastating, as these children often remain trapped in the very cycle of poverty their labour was intended to break.

Education suffers the greatest loss. A child who spends the day hawking goods or working in a household has little time or energy to attend school, complete assignments, or prepare for examinations. Many eventually drop out altogether, limiting their future opportunities. Without education and marketable skills, they are more likely to remain in low-paying jobs as adults, perpetuating the cycle of hardship from one generation to the next.

Beyond the loss of education, child labour takes a severe toll on children’s physical and emotional well-being. Long working hours, exposure to harsh weather, hazardous environments, and exploitation can result in lasting physical injuries, chronic health problems, and psychological trauma. Many children are forced to grow up too quickly, burdened with responsibilities that no child should ever have to bear.

Although Nigeria has enacted laws such as the Child Rights Act to protect children from exploitation, enforcement remains inconsistent. Weak monitoring systems, inadequate social welfare programmes, insufficient public awareness, and limited institutional capacity continue to allow child labour to persist in many communities. Until these laws are effectively enforced, countless children will continue to be denied the opportunities they deserve.

Addressing child labour requires a collective and sustained effort. Governments at all levels must strengthen social protection programmes, improve access to free and quality education, and rigorously enforce existing child protection laws. Employers must refuse to exploit underage workers, while communities, civil society organisations, and religious institutions should intensify public awareness about children’s rights. Families also need economic empowerment initiatives that reduce their dependence on children’s labour as a means of survival.

Every child deserves the chance to dream, learn, play, and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Childhood should be a time of curiosity, laughter, education, and hope—not endless labour, hardship, and survival. The future of Nigeria depends on how effectively it protects and invests in its youngest citizens today.

The sight of children working in markets, workshops, farms, and private homes should never become an accepted feature of everyday life. Instead, it should remind us that behind every young street hawker or domestic worker is a child whose dreams have been interrupted. Restoring those dreams is not merely an act of charity—it is a national responsibility. A society that protects its children safeguards its own future, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.

Related Topics:ADULTS CHILD LABOUR CHILDREN STOLEN KIDS

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Muslims Observe Eid al-Adha with Prayers, Charity, and Calls for Peace

Published

3 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Eddy Success

Thousands of Muslims across Nigeria gathered in mosques and designated prayer grounds to celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in Islam.

This reporter visited Erie Central Mosque, located along Akpakpava Road in Benin City, where worshippers joined other Muslims across the country in observing the festival. The celebration, marked by special congregational prayers, charitable acts, and the symbolic sacrifice of animals, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to obey Allah by sacrificing his son before Allah provided a ram in his place.

The day’s activities began early in the morning with Eid prayers led by Islamic scholars and Imams. During the sermons, worshippers were reminded of the importance of faith, obedience to Allah, humility, patience, and compassion for others. Religious leaders also encouraged Muslims to uphold honesty, justice, and peaceful coexistence in their daily lives.

Speaking after the prayers, the Chief Imam of the Benin Central Mosque emphasised that Eid al-Adha is not only a celebration but also an opportunity for self-reflection and service to humanity. He urged Muslims to extend kindness to the less privileged and to promote unity among people regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

Following the prayers, many families performed the ritual sacrifice of rams, goats, or cows in accordance with Islamic teachings. The meat was shared among family members, neighbours, and people in need, reflecting the Islamic values of generosity and social responsibility.

Several charitable organisations and Islamic groups also organised food distribution programmes, free medical outreaches, and support for orphanages and vulnerable households. Volunteers visited hospitals and correctional facilities, offering gifts, prayers, and words of encouragement to patients and inmates.

Many worshippers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the festival peacefully. Amina Yusuf, a Muslim resident of Benin City, described the occasion as a time of gratitude, sacrifice, and togetherness.

Another participant, Ibrahim Bello, said the festival serves as a reminder that true devotion to Allah is demonstrated through obedience, sacrifice, and care for others.

Security agencies maintained a visible presence at major prayer grounds to ensure the safety of worshippers, while traffic officials managed the movement of people and vehicles throughout the celebration.

As the festivities concluded, Islamic leaders called on citizens to continue promoting peace, tolerance, and national unity. They encouraged Muslims to uphold the teachings of Islam by showing love, respect, and generosity within their communities throughout the year.

The successful observance of Eid al-Adha once again highlighted the role of the Islamic faith in fostering spiritual growth, charitable giving, community service, and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians.

How Government Policies Continue To Shape Everyday Business In Nigeria

Published

4 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Weyinmi Oghoejafor

For millions of Nigerians, the economy is experienced long before it is discussed in newspapers or on television. Every visit to the market, every bus ride, every electricity bill, and every purchase reflects the current state of the country’s economy. Business owners, workers, students, and families all feel the effects of government policies that influence prices, employment opportunities, and the overall cost of living.

Across major cities and rural communities, traders say operating a business has become increasingly challenging. Rising fuel prices have increased the cost of transporting goods from farms and factories to markets. Shop owners who depend on generators because of unreliable electricity spend more on diesel and petrol, forcing many to raise the prices of their goods in order to remain in business.

Market surveys indicate that consumers are becoming more cautious with their spending as inflation continues to reduce purchasing power. Many families now prioritise essential needs such as food, transportation, medicine, and education while cutting back on non-essential purchases. This shift in consumer behaviour has affected sales for many small businesses.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. From neighbourhood POS operators and food vendors to fashion designers, mechanics, tailors, barbers, and online retailers, these businesses provide employment and income for millions of people. However, many entrepreneurs say that access to affordable loans, stable electricity, and good roads would enable them to expand their operations and employ more workers.

Economists explain that government policies on taxation, public spending, exchange rates, and monetary policy play a significant role in determining the business environment. Investments in roads, railways, ports, agriculture, education, and digital infrastructure can lower business costs, improve productivity, and attract both local and foreign investors. Consistent policies also give businesses the confidence to plan for long-term growth.

Despite the current economic challenges, young Nigerians continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation. Many have embraced digital entrepreneurship by selling products through platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Others have established businesses in agriculture, poultry farming, fish farming, graphic design, software development, photography, content creation, logistics, and phone repairs. These ventures not only generate income but also contribute to national economic development.

Financial analysts believe that reducing inflation, improving electricity supply, strengthening security, and supporting small businesses through affordable financing would significantly improve the country’s business environment. They also recommend greater transparency, policy consistency, and increased investment in education and skills development to prepare young people for a changing economy.

As Nigeria continues to pursue economic reforms, citizens remain hopeful that practical policies and responsible governance will create a stronger and more resilient economy. Business owners say that when operating costs are reduced, businesses can expand, employ more people, and offer products at more affordable prices. Many agree that sustainable economic growth depends on collaboration among the government, the private sector, and citizens working together toward the common goal of national development.

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DELSU Photo Festival Season 2 Celebrates Creativity Despite Heavy Rainfall

Published

4 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Austin Olayinka

By Blessing Alumona and Miracle Akpoyovwvayire

The second edition of the DELSU Photo Festival was held on July 17, 2026, in front of the university Sports Complex. Although the programme was originally scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., persistent rainfall delayed the event until about 2:00 p.m. A large canopy was provided to shield participants from the rain, while lively music entertained students as they arrived at the venue.

The event opened on a cheerful note with comedy and light-hearted remarks by Professor Odion Odiboh, creating an exciting atmosphere despite the weather. This was followed by the official opening address delivered by Comrade Regina Egbiamiye, President of the Department of Journalism. After her remarks, the pageantry segment commenced, with contestants representing the Departments of Mass Communication, Journalism, and Broadcasting showcasing their confidence and creativity. At the same time, judges assessed students’ photography projects while music kept the audience entertained.

One of the highlights of the festival was an interactive question-and-answer session that actively involved students and kept the audience engaged. Student union representatives, departmental executives, lecturers, and students participated throughout the programme, contributing to its lively and memorable atmosphere.

Speaking after the event, Faith Ogbotor, a 200-level Journalism student, described the festival as enjoyable and memorable. She said that although the heavy rainfall affected the programme, it did not prevent participants from having a rewarding experience.

Another participant, Tejiri Mathias, a Mass Communication student, also commended the event but expressed concerns about what he described as partiality during some of the games. He suggested that improvements could be made in future editions to ensure fairness.

The festival concluded with the announcement of winners from the three departments. Four students emerged as winners from the Department of Broadcasting, twelve from the Department of Journalism, and twenty-two from the Department of Mass Communication. Each department also selected three overall outstanding winners through a voting process, and the successful participants received awards in recognition of their performances.

The celebration ended with music, dancing, and the distribution of refreshments to students, lecturers, and student executives. The joyful atmosphere and shared moments of celebration brought the 2026 DELSU Photo Festival Season 2 to a successful and memorable conclusion for everyone in attendance.