Criminal Exploitation of Children in Contemporary Nigeria
Criminal Exploitation of Children in Contemporary Nigeria

Summary/Abstract: The free economic system has created the opportunity for children exploitation in modern Nigeria. Children are now the tools of income generation for the parents. This problem has become unprecedented compared to what is obtainable in the traditional social structure of Nigeria, when children were seen as "economic tools" for further production of wealth by parents on farm. This study is underpinning by the Merton’s strain theory and social stratification theory by Max. Lagos, Nigeria served as the study location. In-depth interviews were conducted among eight hundred and eighty (880) respondents in four Local Government Areas in the State. This paper examines critically the socio-political and economic factors that encourage child exploitation in Nigeria. It equally looks at the socio-economic characteristics of children involved in child labour and also examines the economic motive behind the exploitation of children. The paper found out that economic doldrums encourages child exploitation. Again, breakdown in social institution of family is another factor that leads to the proliferation of child exploitation. This paper therefore, recommended the resuscitation of welfare home and juvenile court and social security services are also recommended in this paper.

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