By Jose Oby 
Abuja, April 22, 2025 —
New data released by the Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI) 2022 has exposed a troubling reality: millions of children aged 5 to 11 across Nigeria are trapped in child labour, with some states recording alarmingly high rates.
Leading the grim ranking is Cross River State, where an astounding 70.7% of children are engaged in child labour activities. Yobe follows closely with 68.2%, while Taraba, Ebonyi, and Plateau round out the top five, each reporting rates above 59%.
The data paints a stark contrast across the country. In the southeastern state of Ebonyi, 60.5% of young children are reportedly working instead of attending school or enjoying a normal childhood. Similarly, in northern states such as Bauchi (59.5%) and Adamawa (51.1%), over half of the children are involved in labour.
States like Ekiti (58.4%) and Abia (56.6%) also report worryingly high figures, indicating that child labour is not confined to one region but is a nationwide crisis.
On the other end of the spectrum, Lagos State records the lowest child labour rate at 5.9%, followed by Rivers State with 19.8%. Other states with relatively lower rates include Kano (28.3%), Ogun (30%), and Benue (32.5%).
Analysts say the figures highlight the urgent need for stronger interventions at both federal and state levels to address poverty, education gaps, and child protection.
“This crisis is a direct reflection of widespread poverty and systemic neglect,” said a child rights advocate in Abuja. “Without immediate action, an entire generation is at risk.”
The NMPI 2022 report also shows that northern states generally exhibit higher rates of child labour, correlating with broader socioeconomic challenges in the region.
The federal government has pledged to intensify its efforts in combating child labour through stricter enforcement of laws, expanding access to free basic education, and targeted poverty alleviation programs. However, critics argue that existing measures have fallen short of addressing the root causes.
As Nigeria continues its drive toward economic growth, stakeholders warn that sustainable development cannot be achieved if the youngest citizens are left behind.