The Nigerian Government has rejected the report of United States Department of Labour (USDOL),that blacklisted the nation as “engaging in Child soldiering’’ due to Boko Haram activities in the country. It was Sen.

Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment , who made the country’s position known when he received representatives of the department led by Mr Marlin Hardinger in his office.

“Similar low rating of the country by the department, includes sectors like agriculture, gold mining and construction as well as begging and scavenging.

“Child involvement in those sectors are partly, due to cultural practices as well as consequence of poverty and poor education in parts of Africa.

“The issue of artisanal gold mining by children was a cultural practice based on village groups who involve youths and women groupings,” he said.

Hardinger said the reports reviewed Child Labour development in 142 countries, found moderate advancement in the nation’s efforts to tackle child labour.

“Significant update on the report covering 124 countries listed Nigeria to have been combatting child labour.

“Nigeria has made efforts to do good legislation against child labour,’’ Hardinger said.