43% of Nigerian children engaged in child labor

By Rafiu Ajakaye</p> <p>LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) – At least 43 percent of Nigerian children are trapped in various forced labor despite international conventions banning it, the International Labor Organization said on Friday.</p> <p>Dennis Zulu, country head of the global body, said the children as young as 5-10 years are being used as labor mostly in private establishments and homes.</p> <p>&quot;This is contrary to the fact that Nigeria is signatory to and has ratified or domesticated conventions that ban child labor,&quot; he said, calling on local authorities to help evolve policies that address the menace, including human trafficking and slave worker.</p> <p>“We are optimistic that our effective and efficient approach of the project result will contribute to the reduction of child exploitation in the artisanal mines and global supply chain,&quot; Zulu added.