News
ILO Promotes Elimination of Child Labour in Mining
ILO Promotes Elimination of Child Labour in Mining
By: Michael Mike
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Builds the Capacities of Stakeholders on Occupational Safety and Health and Elimination of Child Labour in the Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Supply Chains in Niger and Osun States.
In the effort to combat child labour in Nigeria’s artisanal small-scale gold mining supply chains, the ILO ACCEL Africa Project (Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains in
Africa), held significant workshops from February 18 – 27, 2025, in Niger and Osun States.
The workshops aim was to empower Stakeholders and representatives from Government, Employers, Workers organisations and community leaders, to eliminate child labour and uphold best
practices in OSH in the ASGM sector in Niger and Osun States.
In addition, Members of Community
Child Labour Monitoring Committees (CCLMCs) in the States were equipped with the necessary skills and tools to enforce Community Action Plans (CAPs), monitor and report on child labour cases, and
carry out interventions effectively.
The Director, ILO Country Office, Dr. Vanessa Phala, represented by the National Project Coordinator of the ACCEL Africa Phase II Project, Mrs. Celine Oni, stated that the objective of the workshop is to
enhance capacities of stakeholders and institutions involved in the fight against child labour.
Participants discussed and demonstrated skills and knowledge to effectively develop, advocate and implement policies and strategies aimed at eradicating child labour.
The ACCEL Africa project firstly, is working with relevant stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and members of the National Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child labour. The projects outcome is to strengthen institutions to develop and implement policies for the eradication of child labour in the cocoa and ASGM sector.
The second outcome is to address the root causes of child labour through innovative and evidence-based solutions in the supply chains (cocoa and ASGM) are institutionalized. This outcome targets
key thematic areas such as social protection, social finance, occupational safety, health and youth employment, promotion of smooth transitions from school to decent work. “The Durban Call to
Action has emphasized the need to tackle root causes of child labour, which include poverty, lack of access to social protection and Health insurance coverage for the people”.
There is ongoing research by the Project on social protection modalities and coverage, youth employment opportunities in Nigeria. It is expected that the research results and findings would guide the interventions in Niger and Osun.
The Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) in Niger State, Hauwa Zakariyya, said “occupational safety and health is everyone’s business, and it should never be underestimated. When safety is neglected, accidents are bound to occur. In every respectable
workplace, safety measures are observed to prevent casualties while performing our duties.”
“And that is why we find it very, very important that ACCEL Africa project is focusing on artisanal mining to prevent incidents as what occurred in the Kuchiko community, where accidents resulted in
many casualties, particularly involving children. We believe it’s essential to educate miners to enhance safety and avoid such tragedies in the future”.
On his part, the State Controller for the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Osun State, Mr. Solomon Ayinde Alabi, expressed his gratitude for Osun State’s inclusion in the Phase II project, noting that although the state was not fully integrated in Phase I, it would now benefit from the
experiences gained in other regions such as Ondo and Niger States, where the project has already shown positive outcomes.
“I am aware that Osun State was not fully integrated in the Phase I of the project, I want to thank the team for the full integration of Osun State into the second Phase of the project. With success reports
from Ondo and Niger States, I am sure that Osun State will equally record great successes.
“One good pointer to the impacts of the project in our state is the report coming from Ibala community. It is pleasing to report that cases of out of school children in the community has been drastically reduced to almost zero level. This is good news is credited to the activities of the CCLMC
in the community.
“I wish to remind and appeal to us as parents, guardians, and community to make the best use of this opportunity to intensify our commitment in fighting against the menace, child labour in our respective communities. We are expected to know and share the knowledge to others so that the
goal of the project can be achieved”.
As part of the workshop activity, the participants visited artisanal mining fields in their various states for onsite observations of the mining practices, noting the tools, equipment, processes and identification of inherent hazards. Additionally, they had discussion with local miners, children onsite
and other stakeholders.
During an interview with children on the field, 13 years old Lawali Yusufa from Korokwa mining field in Minna, stated that the reason why he is mining is to be able to make money. “I am working here because my parents cannot afford to sponsor me through school so, I want to make enough money so that I can start going to school just like my mates. I know that the mining field is very dangerous especially for children like me, but I still want to continue working here because it is the only way I
can make money” Lawali said.
In Idoka mining field, Osun, 11 years old Ibrahim said his dream is to become a miner when he grows up and that is why he works there as an errand boy. “I work here as an errand boy because I want to learn how to mine for gold when I grow up. Even though I’m often chased out of the field, I still insist
on returning because it is my dream,” Ibrahim said.
Meanwhile, the training participants were divided into teams for a group activity to discuss the OSH
risks at the mining site, conditions of work compared to the best practices and decent work expectations, and present what they’ve learned from the workshop.
The training initiative is expected to significantly improve the ability of these committees to act as the first line of defense in the fight against child labour in Nigeria’s cocoa and gold mining sectors.
ILO Promotes Elimination of Child Labour in Mining
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (NMSC) has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Cuba following the killing of 32 Cuban internationalists in Venezuela.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the pro-people coalition, which includes labour unions, civil society organisations and intellectuals, alleged that the Cuban nationals were killed during an attack in Caracas on January 3, 2026, while protecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, his wife, Cilia Flores, and what it described as the sovereignty of Venezuela.
The group said the Cubans chose to resist despite being overwhelmed, describing their actions as a demonstration of courage, honour and commitment to international solidarity.
NMSC drew parallels between the incident and past historical events where Cuban nationals were involved in overseas struggles, including the 1983 U.S.-led invasion of Grenada and Cuba’s military support for African liberation movements in Angola, Namibia and South Africa during the fight against apartheid.
According to the organisation, thousands of Cuban youths lost their lives in Africa while contributing to the dismantling of apartheid systems backed by Western powers. The group noted that Cuba’s internationalism has not been limited to armed conflicts, citing the country’s long-standing medical outreach to developing nations, including Nigeria.
The statement also recalled Cuba’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it dispatched medical teams to dozens of countries and received hundreds of stranded cruise ship passengers at a time many nations had closed their borders.
NMSC extended its sympathy to the families of those killed in Venezuela and called on the United States government to respect international law, halt what it described as foreign military interventions, and lift sanctions imposed on Cuba, Venezuela and other countries.
The group further aligned itself with repeated resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly calling for the end to the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba, insisting that global peace and development require cooperation rather than conflict.
The statement was signed by veteran labour activist and writer, Owei Lakemfa, on behalf of the Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
News
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) have congratulated the Board, Management, and staff of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc and Nigerian Exchange Limited on the historic achievement of the Nigerian capital market crossing the N100 trillion market capitalisation mark.
The commendation was issued via a press statement on Friday, jointly signed by Mr Samuel Sehinde Adenagbe, Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria and Mr Oluropo Dada, the 13th President/Chairman of Council Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
They described the NGX’s achievement as a remarkable milestone and a major affirmation of the resilience, depth, and growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market, and a clear signal of renewed investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
“Crossing the N100 trillion threshold is not only a symbolic landmark; it reflects the capacity of Nigeria’s capital market to mobilise long-term funds for infrastructure, enterprise development, and economic transformation.
“It underscores the vital role of the market in financing growth, creating wealth for investors, and supporting national development objectives,” the said.
According to them, the achievement will not have been possible without the visionary leadership and strategic direction of the NGX Board, as well as the professionalism and dedication of its Management and staff, led by versatile stockbrokers: Dr. Umaru Kwairanga; Mr. Temi Popoola; and Mr. Jude Chiemeka and Mr. Femi Sobanjo.
“We also commend the unwavering commitment and versatility of dealing member firms and stockbrokers who continue to serve as the backbone of the market, ensuring liquidity, transparency, and investor protection.
“Their collective efforts have strengthened market integrity, broadened participation, and improved the overall efficiency of the Exchange.”
The CIS and ASHON also commend the Federal Government of Nigeria for providing a supportive macroeconomic and regulatory environment that has encouraged domestic and foreign investment, promoted market reforms, and enhanced the attractiveness of Nigerian assets.
They stated that policy stability, ongoing reforms, and a clear commitment to private sector-led growth have played a crucial role in creating the conditions for this historic market expansion.
They further commended SEC for providing sound regulations and market development.
They stated that the CIS and ASHON would continue to advocate ethical governance in the capital market with all stakeholder playing by the rules of the game.
They further restated their commitment to sustaining the momentum through robust regulation provided by Securities and Exchange Commission, market innovation, and strong investor protection frameworks.
“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to further deepen the market, broaden product offerings, and ensure that the Nigerian capital market continues to serve as a strong engine for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have neutralised a notorious bandit and recovered arms and ammunition during a raid on a hideout in Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on Jan. 8 at Yolan Gboka–Yama Da Lahdi, following sustained efforts to track and arrest perpetrators of the Dec. 16, 2025 attack on illegal miners at Tosho community in Fann District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
According to the sources, troops made contact with the bandits during the raid and engaged them in a firefight.
“One of the bandits was neutralised during the exchange of fire and was later identified as Sadiq Isah, while others fled the area,” the sources said.
The sources added that troops subsequently exploited the hideout and recovered two AK-47 rifles and 162 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.
The recovered arms and ammunition are currently in military custody, while troops have commenced follow-up operations to intercept the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities in the area.
Zagazola reports that Operation Enduring Peace is a joint security initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability across Plateau and neighbouring states.
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
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