ABSTRACT
Background: Child labour remains a critical issue in developing countries, including Nigeria, where poverty, cultural practices, and limited access to education contribute to the exploitation of children. In Benin City, Nigeria, many children are involved in hazardous and exploitative work, depriving them of education, their childhood, and future opportunities. Despite legal frameworks such as the Child Rights Act (CRA), child labour persists due to ineffective enforcement and societal challenges. Objectives: This study aims to assess the level of protection available for children against child labour in Benin City, Nigeria. Specific objectives include evaluating the extent of children's involvement in household chores, economic activities, and hazardous work, as well as identifying the factors contributing to child labour and the mechanisms in place to protect children. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting children aged 6 to 19 years in Benin City. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires, which covered socio-demographic characteristics, involvement in household chores and economic activities, exposure to hazardous work, and mechanisms of child protection. A multistage sampling technique was used, and data were analysed using the IBM SPSS software. Results: The findings revealed that a significant proportion of children in Benin City are involved in both household chores and economic activities. Many children were also exposed to hazardous work environments. Factors such as poverty, large family sizes, and low parental education were found to be strongly associated with child labour. Additionally, the study identified gaps in the legal enforcement of child protection laws and a lack of effective community-based mechanisms to safeguard children from exploitative labour. Conclusion: Despite existing legal frameworks, child labour remains a prevalent issue in Benin City. There is a need for stronger enforcement of child labour laws, improved access to education, and the implementation of community-level protection mechanisms. Addressing the root causes, such as poverty and low parental education, is essential for the effective elimination of child labour in the region.
