ILO empowers Nigerian communities

The International Labour Organisation, in partnership with the Ondo State Government and the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, recently launched a programme aimed at promoting health insurance enrolment among cocoa farmers, informal workers, and vulnerable households at risk of child labour.

The initiative, under the ILO’s Global Accelerator Lab project, funded by the United States Department of Labour, is among a series of awareness campaigns across 20 rural communities in Ondo State.

According to a statement by ILO, 839 individuals were engaged across the 20 project communities.

Ondo State is Nigeria’s largest cocoa-producing state, where many families depend on farming for their livelihood. However, poverty, limited access to healthcare, and child labour remain critical challenges.

The Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme, including the “Orange Health Insurance Scheme” for informal sector workers and the “Basic Healthcare Provision Fund Programme” for vulnerable individuals, provides a unique opportunity to improve the well-being of these communities.

During the four-day campaign, the ILO collaborated with the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, trade unions, community-based organisations, and the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission to deliver targeted messaging on the benefits of these health insurance schemes.

Community leaders, mobilisers, and healthcare officials contacted thousands of farmers and residents, providing information on enrolment procedures and healthcare benefits.

The Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, Vanessa Phala, said, “Ensuring access to health insurance for vulnerable communities is a significant step towards eliminating child labour and improving livelihoods, this campaign exemplifies how collaboration between governments, workers’ representatives, and organisations like the ILO can foster real change.”

The expected results of this activity include increased awareness and commitment to child labour elimination, improved capacity of cooperative societies, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, and the development of effective strategies for elimination. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their families, reducing their reliance on child labour.

A beneficiary, Chief Akinola Akinwole, said, “I didn’t know my family could benefit from health insurance. Through this programme, I have learnt how to enrol and protect my children’s future. This knowledge will also help me focus on improving my farm without worrying about unexpected medical costs.”

 “The awareness campaigns aim to boost enrolment in health insurance schemes among community members in these areas. This initiative is expected to not only enhance access to healthcare but also reduce child labour by improving the well-being and productivity of cocoa farmers and other informal workers. By tackling systemic challenges and equipping families with social protection, the GALAB project is fostering safer, healthier, and more productive communities,” the statement added.