Juvenile delinquency dimension of child labour: implications for human and capital development in Nigeria

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency and child labour are related social problems that today plague Nigeria. They both affect young boys and girls, some of whom are children (juveniles). Among these juveniles are children who have been involved in criminal behavior like gangism, banditry, thuggery, drug sales and abuse behaviors which are sometimes developed from participation in child labour activities which have become severe in Nigeria. Majority of these activities take the form of street hawking in the Southern part of the country, and street begging in its northern part by children addressed as Almajirai. These problems if allowed to remain will compromise and jeopardize not only the future of the child, but also that of the nation, Nigeria. Thus this study investigates juvenile delinquency as predated by child labour with a view to explaining causality and effects. Particularly, as it relates to human and capital development, and to make suggestions towards finding solutions.