Critical Appraisal of Child Labour in Enugu State: a Study of Enugu Metropolis
this Study Investigates the Socio-Economic Conditions of Child Labourers, Their Level of Awareness of Child Labour Practices, and Measures for Controlling Such Practices in Enu

The study was aimed at identifying child labour practices existing in urban and rural areas in Enugu State. The study anchors on two theories—the Marxist Theory and the Structural Strain Model—and explains an understanding perceived from the two theories using various principles that align with child labour practices in Enugu State. The study utilized a survey design, and the study area is Enugu State. The expected population for the study was 795,271. Cluster random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select samples, while questionnaires and key informant interviews were deployed for data collection. The analysis of data involved the use of percentages and transcription of views of key informants. The study discovered that child labour practices in the urban areas of Enugu State include domestic work, street hawking, shop/store operation, blue-collar labouring, plate washing in restaurants, car washing, and bus conducting. In rural communities, child labour practices include kiosk operation and palm wine tapping and sales. The findings also showed that in urban communities, nearly half of the respondents are paid for their services, while in rural areas most of the children are not paid. The amount of money paid to the child labourers in the urban areas ranges mostly between ₦10,000–₦20,000, while in the rural communities, the majority of respondents receive below ₦10,000. The category of people engaging children as child labourers in urban areas are mostly business owners/operators, while in rural areas, parents are the group that uses children as child labourers the most. Recommendations for controlling child labour in urban areas include the execution of child right laws, creation of awareness, and prosecution of people who engage children in labour practices. In rural areas, creation of awareness, poverty reduction, and enforcement of child right laws were recommended.