An Assessment of the Broadcast Media in Campaign against Child Labour and Human Trafficking in Nigeria (A Study of Urban Radio)

Child labour and human trafficking remain pervasive social crises in Nigeria, demanding sustained and strategic media intervention to change public attitudes and behaviours. This study assessed the role of urban radio in broadcasting campaigns against child labour and human trafficking in Nigeria. The study was grounded in the Social Learning Theory propounded by Albert Bandura, which argues that individuals acquire attitudes and behaviours through observation and media exposure. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with the study population comprising radio listeners in selected urban centres. A sample of 160 respondents was selected using systematic random sampling, and a structured questionnaire was used as the instrument of data collection. Findings showed that urban radio stations have made appreciable efforts in airing public enlightenment programmes against child labour and trafficking, though the frequency, timing, and depth of such campaigns remain insufficient to generate widespread behavioural change. Audiences acknowledged awareness of such campaigns but reported limited change in community practices, indicating a gap between media exposure and attitudinal transformation. The study concluded that urban radio possesses significant potential as a campaign tool but is currently underutilised in addressing child labour and human trafficking. It was recommended that broadcast regulators mandate minimum airtime for anti-trafficking campaigns, while broadcasters should collaborate with civil society organisations to develop more compelling and culturally targeted campaign content.

Keywords: Broadcast media, child labour, human trafficking, urban radio, social campaigns