Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced that the federal government will start enforcing a minimum age requirement of 12 years and above for individuals participating in apprenticeship within the country.
Speaking at a rally concluding the sensitization efforts at Kugbo Furniture Market in Abuja, Onyejeocha stated that the enforcement has been launched alongside sensitization programs across the six geopolitical zones of the nation.
The minister’s representative, Mohammed Suraj, Director of the Skills Development and Certification Department, emphasized that employing apprentices under the age of 12 constitutes child labor, violating both United Nations and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and standards.
He further highlighted that this policy is explicitly outlined in the Labour Law, under Cap 198, Sections 49-53 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
The sensitization program has been conducted across various geo-political zones, including the South-East (Umuahia, Abia State), South-West (Ondo State), South-South (Rivers State), North-Central (Makurdi, Benue State), North-East (Gombe, Gombe State), and North-West (Katsina, Katsina State).
Furthermore, the ministry is devising strategies to enhance employment opportunities by granting Trade Test Certificates of Competence to deserving beneficiaries.
To participate in the training scheme, apprentices must receive accreditation from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment’s Department of Skills Development and Certification to uphold standards before training commencement.
The training curriculum undergoes periodic reviews to align with international best practices and technological advancements.
Onyejeocha emphasized that according to Labour Law, Cap 198, Sections 49-53 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the minimum age for apprenticeship in Nigeria is 12 years.
Engaging apprentices below this age constitutes child labor, contravening United Nations and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and standards.
She highlighted that apprentices undergo comprehensive oral, written, and practical assessments upon completion of training.
Successful candidates are then eligible to receive the Trade Test Certificate of Competence at a subsidized fee.
“In our training workshops, stringent safety precautions and regulations are implemented by the Department of Skills Development and Certification Officers and Safety Officers from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to prevent accidents and fatalities.
“Apprentices must operate in environments that are deemed to be of high quality, safety, and satisfaction.”
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