Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has said that the federal government will begin the enforcement of 12-years and above as the minimum age for individuals to engage in apprenticeship in the country.

Speaking at a rally to round off the sensitisation in Kugbo Furniture Market in Abuja, Onyejeocha said the enforcement has been initiated with sensitisation programmes in the six geo-political zones of the country.

The minister, who was represented by the Director, Skills Development and Certification Department, Mohammed Suraj, stated that engaging an apprentice who is below the age limit of 12 is indulging in child labour which breaches the United Nations and International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention and standards. She also said the policy has been clearly spelt out under Labour law cap 198 section 49-53 LFN.

The geo-political zones where the sensitisation programme has been held are South-East, Umuahia, Abia State, South West, Ondo state, South South, River state, North Central, Makurdi, Benue state, North East, Gombe, Gombe state and North West, Katsina, Katsina state.

She also said the ministry is devicing ways to boost employment generation through issuing the Trade Test Certificate of Competence to deserving beneficiaries.

To qualify for the training scheme, an apprentice must be accredited by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Department of Skills Development and Certification in order to maintain standard before training commences. The training curriculum undergoes periodic review to conform to international best practices and technological advancement.

Onyejeocha added; “Labour law cap 198 section 49-53 LFN clearly spelt out the minimum age for apprenticeship in Nigeria to be 12 years. Anyone engaging an apprentice who is below this age is indulging in child labour according to the United Nation and International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention and standards.

“Our apprentices undergo oral, written and practical tests at the end of training after which the trade test certificate of competence will be issued to successful candidate at a subsidised fee.

“At our training workshop safety precautions and regulations are strictly enforced by skills Department and Certification Officers and Safety Officers of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in order to avoid accidents and death.

“Apprentice must be seen to work under a good, safe and satisfactory conditions.”