FG To Prosecute Anyone Who Engages Under-12 Apprentice

The Federal Government said it will prosecute anyone engaging an apprentice under the age of 12.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment said this at a roadshow sensitisation rally in the Kugbo Furniture market, on Thursday in Abuja, saying such a person will be charged with child labour.

Represented by the Director of Skill Development and Certification, Mohammed Tolani, the minister said the government had begun the enforcement of the 12-year minimum age for individuals to engage in apprenticeship schemes in Nigeria.

“This breaches the United Nations and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and standards. The policy has been clearly spelt out under Labour Law, Cap. 198, Sections 49–53 LFN,” she said.

According to her, the ministry had started enforcement of the law and sensitisation of the people to the crime in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

She said the ministry had started issuing Trade Test Certificate of Competence to deserving beneficiaries to boost employment generation.

The minister added that to qualify for the training scheme, an apprentice must be accredited by the Department of Skills Development and Certification in the ministry.