By ibrahima yakubu
From Dumpsites to Danger: The Hidden Lives of Nigeria’s Child Scrap Pickers
In cities across Nigeria—Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Abuja, Benue, and Enugu—a hidden humanitarian crisis is unfolding daily. Children, some as young as nine, are risking their lives scavenging for scrap metals, plastics, and rubber in dangerous dumpsites. These children, driven by poverty, displacement, insecurity, and lack of access to quality education, operate in extremely hazardous environments with little to no protection.
With bare hands and sacks, they sift through piles of waste, navigating sharp metals, broken glass, toxic substances, and even biohazardous materials. Their goal is simple: collect enough recyclable materials to sell and make a small amount of money to support themselves and, often, their families.
Despite Nigeria’s commitment to child protection through its laws and international agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, enforcement remains largely ineffective in the informal sector. Consequently, thousands of children remain trapped in this cycle of economic exploitation.
A report by environmental scientist Dr. Piman Hoffman, of African Climate Reporters, highlights the severity of this issue. His research shows that children regularly collect plastic waste, metal scraps, and rubber from dump sites and transport them to recycling centers in exchange for money. For many, this is their sole means of survival—and in some cases, a way to support their parents or fund the education of younger siblings.
The health implications are grave. Over 90% of child scavengers operate without any form of protective gear. They face constant exposure to air pollution, infectious diseases, toxic chemicals, and physical injuries. Some suffer long-term health complications, while others tragically lose their lives.
Children interviewed—names withheld for protection—shared stories of how conflict and insecurity forced them into urban centers in search of safety and livelihood. Others revealed that broken homes and extreme poverty pushed them into scavenging, with little to no guidance or supervision.
The lack of public awareness and inadequate data further complicates efforts to tackle the issue. There is no reliable national database tracking the number of children engaged in scavenging, making it difficult for authorities to implement targeted interventions. Compounding the problem, Nigeria’s growing recycling industry increasingly depends on these children for the collection of raw materials, often turning a blind eye to the source of their supplies.
Organizations such as UNICEF, the International Labour Organization (ILO), Save the Children, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), ActionAid Nigeria, and the Network of Peace Journalists have consistently called for urgent reforms. Their recommendations include:
- Strengthened enforcement of child labor laws
- Universal access to quality education
- Social protection for vulnerable families
- Nationwide public awareness campaigns
- Comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration programs
Local civil society organizations, such as Child Protection and Survival Initiative, are also actively involved in rescuing and supporting child scavengers. However, their efforts require more robust support from government institutions, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and the media.
The Role of the Media and Community
Journalists play a critical role in bringing this crisis into public focus. Ethical, human-centered reporting can shed light on the realities of child scavengers, provide compelling data, and pressure policymakers into action. At the same time, media professionals must respect the dignity and privacy of the children they report on, ensuring their stories are told responsibly.
Religious institutions, traditional leaders, and community organizations must also be part of the solution. Public education campaigns—both online and offline—can drive attitudinal changes and encourage families and communities to take active roles in protecting children from exploitation.
Conclusion
Child scavenging in Nigeria is not just a by-product of poverty—it is a reflection of systemic failure. These children deserve more than pity; they deserve protection, opportunity, and dignity. Addressing this issue requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral response involving government agencies, civil society, media, and the private sector.
