Lagos, Nigeria – As Nigeria’s economic challenges deepen, an increasing number of children are turning to scavenging as a means of survival.
Once accustomed to meals under the protection of their family homes, many now roam refuse dumps, collecting discarded items to sell for money.
A growing number of children, aged between nine and 14, have been spotted carrying sacks filled with used cartons, empty drink cans, and plastic bottles—items they hope to exchange for a few naira.
Their plight highlights the worsening economic situation, which has left many families struggling to afford basic necessities, including education.
Survival Over Schooling
For 10-year-old Jacob Olorunfemi, scavenging has become his new reality after his parents could no longer afford to pay for his lessons.
“I don’t go to lessons anymore because my parents said there is no money after the Christmas celebration,” Jacob told Economy & Lifestyle. “I used to attend a lesson that cost N500 per week, but now, I go out to pick plastics and used items to sell.”
Jacob’s mother works as a domestic cleaner, sweeping and washing clothes for customers, while his father earns a living at a local bus park. Despite their efforts, rising inflation and economic instability have made it difficult to provide for the family.
He was introduced to scavenging by his 12-year-old friend, Sule, whose mother survives by begging for alms. Together, they collect recyclable materials from refuse dumps and have managed to save small amounts of money.
“I have been able to save N2,000 since I started,” Jacob said, revealing his determination to support himself in a tough economy.
A Harsh Reality for Many
Jacob’s story is not unique. Eleven-year-old Yekini Salam has also been forced into scavenging after losing his father. With no knowledge of his biological mother, Yekini was left in the care of his stepmother, who struggles to feed him and her three children.
“I have not been in school for years. I dropped out when I lost my father,” he said. “Now, I go to different locations, picking plastic bottles and metals to sell.”
Like Jacob and Sule, Yekini represents the thousands of Nigerian children who have been pushed into informal and often dangerous labor due to financial hardship.
Economic Hardship Driving Child Labor
Nigeria has been grappling with inflation, unemployment, and a high cost of living, pushing many families to the brink of poverty. A report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that food inflation reached 40.5% in June 2024, making it even harder for low-income households to afford basic meals.
As families struggle to make ends meet, children are increasingly being pulled from school to contribute to household survival, either through street hawking, menial labor, or scavenging.
A Call for Urgent Intervention
Child rights advocates have raised concerns about the dangers of scavenging, which exposes children to hazardous environments and risks such as injury, disease, and exploitation.
“The government needs to prioritize social welfare programs that can support low-income families,” said Dr. Abimbola Adekoya, a child rights activist. “We cannot allow an entire generation of children to grow up without education because of economic hardship.”
While some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are working to provide relief and educational opportunities for underprivileged children, experts say more action is needed from both the government and private sector to address the growing crisis.
For children like Jacob, Sule, and Yekini, the hope of returning to school remains uncertain. Until economic conditions improve, scavenging will continue to be a painful reality for many Nigerian children searching for a means to survive.
