President Bola Tinubu has declared the eradication of child labour a national development priority, warning that the menace poses a threat to education, poverty reduction, economic growth, food security, human capital development and national security.

The President made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja at the National Dialogue on the Implementation of Nigeria's National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan, covering the period 2026 to 2030. At the event, the President also launched the 2024 National Child Labour Survey Report.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the Federal Government would intensify efforts to address the conditions forcing children into exploitative labour.

He said children subjected to labour lose opportunities, confidence and good health, as well as the chance to contribute fully to national development.