Ending Child Hawking In Nigeria 1

Caption by JuJu Films, Flickr

Here in Nigeria, child hawking is a viable business. In a family of four or more in some remote communities and cities as well, a child who is at least five years old is sent out every day- with all sorts of wares-to sell to support his family in making ends meet.

 

Government at all levels in Nigeria have at various points in history made show of trying to protect child rights by sponsoring, and in some cases passing legislation, or making spurious governmental policies aimed at cheap political attention and follower-ship.

The Nigerian government structure divides the government into three tiers, the Federal Government, the State Government and the Local Government. There are 774 Local Governments, 36 State Governments, and a Central Federal Government. Each of these tiers is empowered by the constitution to collect taxes at different levels. 

The Local Governments are the closest to the people as each of these tiers is expected to be autonomous even though the Local Government System in Nigeria is riddled by frequent interference from State Governments.

Fulani Girls hawking by JuJu Films, Flick

Nigeria possesses enough agencies to begin the process of ending child hawking. I hope that as we begin this roadmap towards ending child hawking in Nigeria, that as I share my ideas which are not sacrosanct to say, that your criticisms and contributions will help shape this dream and that we find a voice and someday end this menace and give children a life they deserve.

Also Read: The Police: A Need for a Change  

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) established under the NHIS Act, Cap N42, Laws of Federation in Nigeria, is a scheme designed to subsidize healthcare expenses for those who subscribe to it. 

In Nigeria today, the NHIS has just about 5% of the population, enrolled in it, most of which are civil servants who make up most of the middle class in Nigeria while most of the poor masses are either ignorant of the benefits of the scheme or sidelined. Because of this, I believe State Governments could use the extensive healthcare system provided in communities and Local Governments; having at least one general hospital or medical centre, to ensure the registration of their residents under any of the five categories provided by the NHIS. 

Most states in Nigeria have adopted the free maternal health care for mothers and children under the age of five. This is welcome as it is meant to lift the burden of healthcare from families and allows them more financial freedom if each state can increase enrollment of its residents in NHIS and create enough awareness for free maternity care. If this is achieved, then they would have supported families by reducing expenses and increasing their dispensable cash.

Caption by JuJu Films, Flickr

Next is Nigeria’s basic education policy. Basic education in Nigeria is a total stretch of nine years (primary one to nine) under the Unity School Program.  In these nine years, technically two certificates are issued; the first school leaving certificate issued after the first six years and the junior secondary school certificate issued after the last three years. 

A restructuring of infrastructure and faculty for basic education to provide quality theoretical education and training with practical influence especially in the last three years will position the country and its citizens for greater exploits. To do these, the State and Federal Governments must seek ways to ensure that basic education is free. Doing this allows families financial freedom to cater for other needs as the burden of basic education is borne collectively by the community and government.

Caption by JuJu Films, Flickr

Third and most important step in the fight to end child hawking is the participation of residents and citizens. For us to end it we must show a visible stand against it. We should refuse to patronize child hawkers as parents cannot continue to send their children out when it becomes a norm in the society not to patronize these children. 

Each community must come together for the aim of educating its members on the ills of and dangers associated with child hawking. We must send our cry to the government through various means for proper information dissemination and frankly, initiate engage in peaceful protests if we must, in hope that the issue of child hawking will be a thing of the past. 

Written By: Uchenna Urom

Edited  By: Ejiofor Ekene Maduabuchi