Pastor Isaac Aina of Christ Victory Church, Ilorin, has called on Federal Government to address the increasing cases of child labour by ensuring severe punishment for offenders.
Aina gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ilorin.
He said there was need for concerted efforts to discourage child labour in the country.
The cleric said underaged children were being overworked by their caregivers and benefactors, which exposes them to dangers.
“Most underaged children are being used for illegal jobs such as prostitution, hawking, house-helps and other forms of activities injurious and dangerous to their health, education and social growth.
“It is becoming a norm in Nigeria to see underaged children lured or tricked into forced labour, some of whom are preys to abductors.
” Federal government must be very strict with penalties for offenders and save the future of the Nigerian child.
“Government must act fast and be stricter, make arrest of parents, masters, guardians and caregivers who are exploiting the underaged children in the country,” he said.
Aina, however, called for the proper education of the younger generation adding that the society is made aware of the ills of child labour through the government, media organisations and civil society organisations.
He also called for prompt arrest and punishment of collaborators and perpetrators of such acts.
” It is time government sets up a team to investigate offenders and the perpetrators of child labour for quick arrest and punishment, ” he said.