A Jurisprudential Appraisal of the Legal and Institutional Framework for the Control of Child Street Hawking in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Child Street hawking: the practice of minors vending goods or services on the streets and public spaces, remains a pervasive and deeply entrenched social problem in Nigeria, with Ilorin, Kwara State, serving as a notable hotspot. Child Street hawking represents a significant and persistent challenge to child welfare, social equality and urban management in many Nigerian cities, with Ilorin Metropolis serving as a prominent case study. The aim of this study is to analyse the legal and institutional control of child hawking in Kwara State. In doing this, the study examines the efficiency or otherwise of the laws and institutions established to control and prevent child hawking in Nigeria with particular reference to Kwara State. The specific objectives of the study are to examine the causes and factors contributing to child hawking; examine the legal and institutional frameworks and mechanisms for controlling child hawking in Ilorin, Kwara State; and identify the challenges undermining the laws and institutions involved in combating child hawking in Ilorin, Kwara State. This study will adopt a doctrinal research methodology, which involves a critical and analytical review of primary and secondary legal sources. The research will systematically examine the relevant legal instruments to understand the concept, problem, and challenges in the legal and institutional control of child hawking in Ilorin, Kwara State. The information obtained will be subjected to content analysis. The study finds that child street hawking in Ilorin metropolis is not hindered by lack of relevant legal and institutional framework, but that the enforcement mechanisms seem largely ineffective. The study recommended legislative and policy reforms to enhance the effectiveness of combating child hawking in Kwara State.