LEGISLATIVE CONTRADICTIONS IN NIGERIA’S CHILD LABOUR LAWS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LABOUR ACT AND CHILD RIGHTS ACT
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Abstract
Child labour remains a significant issue in Nigeria, particularly in sectors like agriculture, despite the country's ratification of key international conventions such as the ILO Minimum Age Convention (No. 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182). This article critically examines the legislative contradictions between Nigeria’s Labour Act (2004) and the Child Rights Act (2003), which set conflicting minimum working ages of 12 and 18 years, respectively. These inconsistencies, coupled with the absence of a clear list of prohibited hazardous activities, undermine child protection efforts and compliance with international standards. The study employs a rights-based theoretical framework, drawing on Hohfeld’s claim rights and the interest theory, to analyse these gaps and their implications. It highlights weak enforcement mechanisms, socio-economic challenges, and the need for harmonised legislation. Recommendations include amending the Labour Act to align with international standards, publishing a definitive list of hazardous work, strengthening enforcement, and implementing economic interventions like conditional cash transfers to reduce child labour.
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