Afrigather 
A brand new report from the Nationwide Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals a regarding actuality: over 24 million Nigerian youngsters are engaged in labour, with 14.3 million in hazardous work as of 2022. This subject is especially prevalent within the northwest geopolitical zone, however the southeast area has the very best share of kid labourers, with practically half of its youngsters affected.
Nationally, nearly two out of each 5 Nigerian youngsters are concerned in baby labour, working a median of 14.6 hours per week. As they get older, this burden will increase, with youngsters aged 15–17 working a median of 24.6 hours per week. These findings underscore the pressing want for focused interventions to handle baby labour throughout Nigeria.
Cross River
Topping the checklist of Nigerian states with excessive charges of kid labour is Cross River State. In response to a brand new report from the Nationwide Bureau of Statistics (NBS), an alarming 67.4% of youngsters in Cross River State are concerned in labour. This determine is very regarding because it extends from the youngest age group into adolescence, indicating a persistent problem confronted by the state in combating baby labour.
Yobe
Following carefully behind is Yobe State, with 62.6% of its youngsters engaged in labour. The influence of kid labour is notably excessive within the youngest age group, suggesting potential cultural, instructional, or financial influences on youngsters’s participation in labour actions. Nonetheless, there’s a vital drop-off within the oldest age group, indicating attainable shifts in alternatives or tasks as youngsters get older.
Abia
Climbing to the third spot is Abia State, reporting a toddler labour fee of 60.1%. The info highlights a peak in labour engagement amongst youngsters aged 15–17 years, reaching as excessive as 66.9%. This pattern suggests an growing reliance on older youngsters for strenuous duties, reflecting the challenges confronted by households and communities in Abia State.
Plateau
Plateau State ranks fourth on the checklist, with 58.9% of its youngsters concerned in labour. The info reveals a constant sample of kid labour throughout all age classes, indicating a sustained degree of engagement that doesn’t fluctuate considerably with age. This means a systemic subject that requires focused interventions to handle successfully.
Taraba
Halfway by way of the checklist is Taraba State, the place 58.6% of youngsters are engaged in labour. Apparently, the information reveals decrease percentages within the 12–14 age group in comparison with different states, indicating potential variations in elements influencing baby labour throughout completely different areas of Nigeria.
Ebonyi
Ebonyi State follows carefully behind, with 56.2% of its youngsters concerned in labour. The info suggests a decrease engagement fee amongst youngsters within the transitional age group of 12–14 years, highlighting potential variations in labour dynamics inside the state.
Imo
Tied for the seventh place with Ebonyi is Imo State, reflecting a toddler labour fee of 56.2%. Of explicit concern is the steep rise in baby labour as youngsters get older, with incidence charges reaching 64.2% and 65.4% within the 12–14 and 15–17 age teams, respectively.
Kogi
Kogi State reveals a comparatively uniform distribution of kid labour throughout age brackets, with 54.4% of youngsters aged 5–17 concerned in labour. This means a constant degree of kid labour engagement throughout completely different age teams inside the state.
Bauchi
In Bauchi State, the proportion of youngsters engaged in labour barely will increase to 53.3%. Nonetheless, there’s a declining pattern in baby labour incidence with age, indicating potential shifts in tasks or alternatives for older youngsters inside the state.
Akwa Ibom
Initiating the checklist with the bottom share among the many high ten states is Akwa Ibom State, the place 52.5% of youngsters are concerned in labour. Whereas this determine is the bottom on the checklist, it’s nonetheless regarding, particularly contemplating the influence on the well-being and growth of youngsters within the state.
