Publications

Child street hawking is emerging as a significant public health concern in developing countries like Nigeria,primarily driven by poverty and resulting in the continuous migration of people to urban areas in search oflivelihood. Despite existing legislation addressing child labor in Nigeria, the prevalence of street hawking persistsdue to inadequate implementation and enforcement. Moreover, traditional beliefs regarding children ascontributors to the family's socioeconomic well-being further perpetuate this practice in African societies. Familyrelatedfactors also contribute to the involvement of children in street hawking. However, child hawkers facenumerous hazards, including physical violence, loss of merchandise, accidents, robbery, kidnapping, and evenmurder for ritualistic purposes. They are also vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, insect and reptile bites,hunger, and deprivation. Of great concern is the risk of sexual exploitation and forced prostitution, leading tounwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This paper examines the impact of street hawking onchildren's academic well-being and emphasizes the fundamental right of all children to receive basic education andquality learning opportunities. It underscores the need for legislation prohibiting street hawking by children, withlegal repercussions for both parents and children involved in the practice. Prioritizing education and safeguardingchildren from the dangers of street hawking is essential for their holistic development and future societalcontributions.Keywords: Street Hawking, Child Labor, Academic Wellbeing, Legislation, Child Rights