The rising issue of child labor in the cocoa-producing community of Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State has sparked calls from activists for stricter enforcement of the Child Rights Act.
They emphasized that firm action and penalties against violators are essential in safeguarding children, and preventing their further exploitation.
The cocoa farms of Ikom, Cross River State, are thriving, contributing significantly to the state’s position as Nigeria’s second-largest cocoa producer.
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But behind this economic success lies a troubling reality. Many children, some as young as nine, are found working in these farms instead of being in school.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 24.6 million children across Nigeria are engaged in child labour, with Cross River, Yobe, and Abia States recording the highest rates, each exceeding 60 percent.
Activist Martin-Mary Falana emphasizes that the responsibility to end child labour lies with everyone: parents, communities, traditional and religious leaders, as well as the government, and called for strict enforcement of existing laws and the establishment of local policies to protect children.
Other activists, Kazeem Sanni and Felix Akinrinde, highlight the human rights implications of child labour, as they called on government to go beyond policy formulation and actively collaborate with communities and stakeholders to end child labour.
As the plight of these children continue to unfold, the call for collective responsibility becomes urgent.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
