Turning Commitments into Results: Civil Society Action for a Child Labour-Free Nigeria| CYPF Webinar

How can civil society organisations help turn Nigeria’s commitments to eliminating child labour into meaningful, sustainable action? Child & Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF) presents the full recording of its webinar, “Turning Commitments into Results: Civil Society Action for a Child Labour-Free Nigeria,” held on 22 October 2026. The webinar brought together experts and stakeholders from government, civil society, international organisations, and child protection institutions to discuss the implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy and National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026–2030), with particular attention to the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) Ending child labour requires more than policies and declarations. It demands effective implementation, institutional accountability, strategic partnerships, community engagement, and sustained action to protect children from exploitation. This webinar provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives on how national commitments can translate into practical interventions and measurable progress. ABOUT THE WEBINAR The session examined the role of civil society organisations in supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy and National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026–2030). It highlighted the importance of collaboration between government institutions, civil society, international organisations, development partners, and communities in strengthening child protection efforts. The conversation also created an opportunity to consider how advocacy, policy engagement, public awareness, legal frameworks, and coordinated action can contribute to addressing child labour and improving protection for vulnerable children. MEET OUR SPEAKERS The webinar featured experienced professionals and advocates whose work spans child protection, labour rights, policy development, advocacy, international affairs, and civil society engagement. • Dr. Alves D’Almada Fernando Jorge – Head of Division, Social Affairs, Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Department of Social Affairs and Gender, ECOWAS Commission. • Comrade Osita Samuel Osemene – President, Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL). • Michael Awo Ejeh – Assistant National Secretary, Child Protection Network (CPN) Nigeria. • Deepika Mittal – Director, Global March Against Child Labour. • Dr. Kolawole Agatha – National Coordinator, FMM West Africa. • Barr. Ruth Abilewa Ataguba – Policy Consultant specialising in child protection and policy development. • Barr. Mrs. Odoh Theresa Onyinye – Chief Labour Officer and Head of the Child Labour Section, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nigeria. Their collective experience contributed to a discussion on strengthening collaboration, improving policy implementation, and advancing efforts to eliminate child labour. WHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERS Nigeria’s National Policy and National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026–2030) provide an important framework for coordinated efforts to address child labour. However, the effectiveness of these commitments depends on implementation, sustained engagement, and the participation of stakeholders at different levels. Civil society organisations have an important role in raising awareness, advocating for stronger child protection systems, engaging communities, supporting vulnerable children and families, monitoring progress, and promoting accountability. Partnerships among civil society, government agencies, international organisations, development partners, and community actors can help strengthen these efforts and support more coordinated responses. WATCH, SHARE AND JOIN THE CONVERSATION Watch the full webinar recording to hear the speakers’ perspectives on civil society action and the implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy and National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026–2030). Share this recording with policymakers, civil society organisations, development practitioners, child rights advocates, educators, researchers, and others committed to protecting children and ending child labour. We invite you to join the conversation in the comments: What practical steps can civil society organisations take to strengthen implementation of Nigeria’s National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026–2030)? Your perspectives can help sustain the conversation and encourage further engagement towards meaningful action. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more discussions, programmes, and updates on child protection, children’s rights, youth empowerment, and community development. Together, let’s turn commitments into results for a child labour-free Nigeria. #CYPF #EndChildLabour #ChildProtection #ChildRights #CivilSociety #Nigeria #policyimplementation