Anti-Child Labor Challenges and Security Implications in Selected Local Government Areas in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing presence of young people on Nigerian streets participating in child labor continues to attract public policy attention. Available research on child labor reveals sparse scientific information on the security implications for youth in South-Western Nigeria, particularly Ondo State. The study aims to understand the argument that child labor poses a major security threat to the overall well-being of child laborers. A total of 147 questionnaires were distributed, including 12 focus group discussions and 12 semi-structured interviews with young people and guardians (mostly mothers). Frequency distributions were used to analyze the quantitative data, and NVivo qualitative software (v.14) was used to identify themes and subthemes. A content analytical tool was used to understand the themes. Child labor activities include street trading, timber trading, domestic help and construction work. Causes of child labor include lack of access to primary education, cultural and social beliefs, poverty and family breakdown. Security threats include occasional kidnappings for ransom, sexual molestation, slavery, exploitation, risk of injury, disease and death. The study suggests a more responsive child rights law in Nigeria for the protection of the rights and dignity of every child.