Community Watch Groups Trained to Tackle Exploitation of Child Domestic Workers in Lagos

  Ms. Elizabeth Odion, the project manager.  In a determined effort to curb the exploitation of child domestic workers, MAEJT Nigeria for t...

 

Ms. Elizabeth Odion, the project manager. 

In a determined effort to curb the exploitation of child domestic workers, MAEJT Nigeria for the Welfare of Children and Youth has organized a series of specialized trainings for community watch groups across key communities in Lagos State. The initiative, held under the Protection of Child Domestic Workers from Exploitation project, focused on building local capacity to recognize, document, and report cases of abuse affecting vulnerable children engaged in domestic labour.

The three-day capacity-building program took place on Friday, 27th; Saturday, 28th; and Monday, 30th June 2025, across Olowogbowo in Lagos Island, Makoko in Lagos Mainland, and Ahovikoh in Badagry. Each training session brought together a diverse group of participants, including community leaders, representatives of youth-led associations, officers from the Lagos Neighbourhood and Safety Corps, and members of MAEJT Nigeria, all unified by a common resolve to protect the rights of children.

According to the MAEJT, the main objective of the training was to equip participants with the practical skills and knowledge needed to identify signs of exploitation and to act promptly by reporting such cases to relevant authorities. These include MAEJT Nigeria, the Social Welfare Office, and the Nigerian Police Child Protection Desk. Trainers provided detailed modules on Nigeria’s child protection laws, techniques for discreetly gathering information, and strategies for community sensitization.

The sessions also offered an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences and explore collaborative approaches to safeguarding child domestic workers. Participants engaged in interactive discussions and scenario-based exercises designed to simulate real-life reporting and rescue processes. The facilitator, Mr. Akonasu GBEDOZIN emphasized the importance of sustained vigilance, community solidarity, and coordinated response in preventing further abuse.

At the close of the training, attendees expressed a strong commitment to apply their newly acquired skills in their respective communities. Many pledged to contribute actively to ending the inhumane practice of exploiting child domestic workers and to serve as advocates for child rights protection. The success of the program marks a significant step forward in strengthening community-based mechanisms to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing child protection challenges.