The President of the UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF), Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, has called for increased investment in education, teacher development, and stronger policies to eliminate child labour, warning that the growing crisis is fueling insecurity and terrorism across Nigeria.
Speaking to commemorate the International Day Against Child Labour, Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan described child labour as a “forgotten pipeline to terrorism,” stressing that millions of children deprived of education and opportunities are increasingly vulnerable to recruitment by extremist and criminal groups.
According to him, Nigeria’s persistent security challenges cannot be separated from the alarming number of out-of-school children and the widespread exploitation of minors in hazardous labour.
He noted that children who should be learning in classrooms are instead engaged in street hawking, mining, farming, and other dangerous activities that expose them to abuse, exploitation, and radicalisation.
“Nigeria is facing one of the most severe child labour crises in the world. These vulnerable children become easy targets for criminal networks and terrorist organisations that prey on their desperation and lack of opportunities,” he said.
Citing data from UNICEF, the UNESCO REF President revealed that approximately 10.2 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, while millions more are engaged in various forms of child labour.
Globally, he noted, nearly 138 million children between the ages of five and 17 remain trapped in child labour, with about 54 million involved in hazardous work that threatens their health, safety, and future prospects.
Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan warned that beyond its social and economic implications, child labour poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s long-term development by eroding the nation’s human capital and reducing its competitiveness in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy.
“Nigeria’s greatest asset is not its natural resources but its people. Every child denied education represents a lost opportunity for national growth and innovation. These children could become future scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and leaders, but child labour deprives them of that chance,” he stated.
He further argued that the crisis threatens the foundations of democracy by excluding millions of children from meaningful participation in society.
“Democracy thrives on inclusion, participation, and equal opportunity. When children are denied education and a voice in society, democracy itself is weakened. A nation that fails to protect its children puts its future at risk,” he added.
The UNESCO REF President urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead a coordinated national response involving key government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
According to him, addressing child labour requires innovative and multi-sectoral strategies that combine public awareness campaigns, cultural reorientation, poverty alleviation programmes, and targeted humanitarian interventions.
He also called for stronger collaboration between countries of the Global North and Global South, describing child labour and terrorism as interconnected global challenges that demand collective international action.
“Nigeria is not seeking charity but genuine partnership. We need collaborative efforts that protect children, strengthen democracy, and promote global peace and security,” he said.
Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan appealed to development partners, donor agencies, and international organisations to increase support for educational infrastructure, teacher training, and initiatives aimed at expanding access to quality education for vulnerable children.
He further advocated comprehensive social protection programmes for low-income families, the integration of child protection measures into national counter-terrorism strategies, and community resilience initiatives designed to prevent extremist recruitment.
The UNESCO REF President emphasized that the eradication of child labour must become a national priority, urging governments at all levels to strengthen enforcement of child protection laws, improve accountability mechanisms, and recognise education as a critical tool for national security and sustainable development.
“The fight against child labour is inseparable from the fight against terrorism. Protecting children means protecting Nigeria’s democracy, strengthening Africa’s stability, and advancing global peace and development,” he said.
He concluded by calling on government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, and the international community to unite in ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to education, protection, and opportunities to achieve their full potential.
“Our response to this crisis will define our humanity. Nigeria’s children deserve more than survival; they deserve the opportunity to learn, innovate, lead, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future,” he added.
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