Alimosho: The Centre for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP), a non-governmental organization, has called upon community leaders in Alimosho to take decisive actions to prevent the maltreatment of child domestic workers. This appeal was made during an advocacy visit to the Mosan-Okunola Community Development Committee (CDC) in Lagos State.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the visit is a component of CAPRIGHTS-VP’s ongoing awareness initiatives under the Protecting Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment (PCDW) Project, which is funded by the Freedom Fund. Mercy Joshua, the Project Officer of the PCDW Project, led the delegation, which included Communication Officer Ugwueze Chinecherem and Security and Protection Officer Agatha Chinedu. Joshua expressed concern over the plight of millions of Nigerian children involved in forced, unpaid, or underpaid labor, many of whom are ‘house girls’.

The delegation highlighted the International Labour Organisation (ILO 2021) data, which estimates that approximately 15 million children under the age of 14 are working across Nigeria. Community leaders were informed about various reporting channels available, such as the toll-free line 0800 800 8001 and the TALKAM app, ensuring that whistleblowers’ identities remain confidential.

CAPRIGHTS-VP is employing a preventive approach by connecting vulnerable households, including widows, struggling mothers, and adolescent girls, to government social protection and skill acquisition programs. This initiative is supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).

Mr. Tajudeen Fajobi, the CDC Chairman, described the session as ‘a new and refreshing approach,’ noting that few community programs address the realities faced by Omo-Odo (child domestic workers). He committed to supporting CAPRIGHTS-VP by providing data on vulnerable households and promoting the use of the reporting platforms.

Other members of the CDC participated actively, asking questions about reporting procedures. CAPRIGHTS-VP assured them that every verified report would prompt swift and appropriate action. The NGO expressed gratitude to the CDC for its welcoming reception and reiterated its dedication to collaborating with community leaders and stakeholders to protect the rights and welfare of children in Alimosho.