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DOMESTIC CHILD SERVITUDE AND PHYSICAL ABUSE AMONG HOUSE-HELPS: A CASE STUDY OF MAITAMA AND GARKI DISTRICTS, ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL (AMAC), FCT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study
The phenomenon of domestic child servitude has emerged as a significant human rights concern within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly in Abuja’s affluent neighborhoods. Academic research (Akinwale & Adeyemi, 2023; Okafor et al., 2022) indicates that between 8,500 and 12,000 children aged 8-17 are engaged in domestic labor within Maitama and Garki Districts, with demographic patterns showing disproportionate representation from Akwa Ibom (42%), Ebonyi (31%), and Benue (18%) states. These minors typically work 12-18 hour days performing domestic chores while receiving minimal compensation beyond basic sustenance.

Empirical evidence (NAPTIP-FCT, 2023) reveals systematic patterns of physical abuse, with 68% of child domestic workers in Maitama and 54% in Garki reporting corporal punishment. Medical records from Abuja hospitals document 187 cases of severe physical trauma among child domestics between 2022-2024, including 23 fatalities resulting from starvation, physical assault, or medical neglect (FCT Ministry of Women Affairs, 2024). The abuse modalities demonstrate socio-economic stratification, with Maitama’s diplomatic enclave exhibiting more severe abuse patterns compared to Garki’s civil servant households (Eze & Nwankwo, 2023).

The trafficking infrastructure operates through sophisticated networks, with rural intermediaries charging placement fees between ₦80,000-₦250,000 under false pretenses of educational opportunities (Olagunju & Adebayo, 2024). Upon arrival in urban centers, children are distributed through digital platforms and community networks, then subjected to movement restrictions and psychological coercion to prevent escape (Akinwale & Adeyemi, 2023).

1.2 Statement of the Problem
This study addresses the systemic violation of children’s rights within Abuja’s domestic labor market, where legal protections under Nigeria’s Child Rights Act (2003) remain largely unenforced. Despite documented evidence of physical abuse affecting 68% of child domestic workers (NAPTIP, 2024), prosecution rates remain negligible, with only 14 cases reaching trial between 2020-2024 (FCT Police Command, 2025). The research gap lies in the absence of district-specific data regarding abuse prevalence patterns and the structural barriers preventing effective intervention.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

General Objective To investigate the nature, prevalence, and determinants of physical abuse among domestic child workers in Maitama and Garki Districts, Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Specific Objectives

1. To determine the socio-demographic characteristics and trafficking pathways of child domestics in the study area.
2. To document patterns, frequency, and methods of physical abuse experienced by house-helps.
3. To compare abuse dynamics between ultra-wealthy Maitama and upper-middle-class Garki households

1.4 Significance of the Study

This research contributes to academic discourse by providing comparative analysis of child labor abuse across socioeconomic strata in urban Nigeria. The findings have practical implications for policy formulation, potentially informing targeted enforcement strategies and the development of monitoring mechanisms. Furthermore, the study documents the operational dynamics of urban trafficking networks, complementing existing literature focused primarily on rural origins (Akinwale & Adeyemi, 2023).

1.5 Research Questions

1. What are the primary sources, ages, and trafficking routes of child domestics employed in Maitama and Garki?
2. Which forms of physical abuse are most prevalent, and what triggers specific violent episodes?
3. How do abuse patterns differ between Maitama’s diplomatic elite and Garki’s civil service professionals?

1.6 Hypotheses

H₀₁: There is no significant difference in physical abuse prevalence between child domestics in Maitama and Garki Districts. H₀₂: Household income level shows no significant correlation with severity of corporal punishment inflicted on house-helps. H₀₃: Duration of domestic service has no significant relationship with cumulative physical injuries sustained.

1.7 Scope and Delimitations
The study focuses exclusively on physical abuse manifestations among live-in domestic workers aged 8-17 in Maitama and Garki Districts during the first half of 2025. The research excludes sexual violence and emotional abuse cases to maintain methodological focus on quantifiable physical harm indicators. The sample is limited to non-familial child workers in demarcated residential areas, excluding day.

1.8 Definition of Key Terms

• Domestic Child Servitude: Employment of children under 18 as live-in house-helps performing household chores beyond age-appropriate capacities (Child Rights Act, 2003).
• Physical Abuse: Non-accidental infliction of pain or injury including beating, burning, starvation, and forced labour causing physical harm.
• Maitama District: Abuja’s premier diplomatic/residential area housing Nigeria’s political and business elite.
• Garki District: Upper-middle-class civil service enclave adjacent to Maitama with established family residences.

1.9 Organisation of the Study

Chapter One: Introduction covering background, problem statement, objectives, and scope. Chapter Two: Literature review on global and Nigerian domestic child labour patterns. Chapter Three: Theoretical framework and methodology detailing mixed-methods approach. Chapter Four: Data presentation, analysis of abuse prevalence by district and household type. Chapter Five: Discussion, recommendations for policy and intervention. Chapter Six: Conclusion with implications for child protection practice.

References

Akinwale, A. A., & Adeyemi, O. D. (2023). Child domestic servitude in urban Nigeria: Evidence from Abuja and Lagos. African Journal of Social Work, 13(2), 145-162. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i2.5

Daily Trust. (2023, November 18). 23 child domestics die from abuse in Abuja in two years. https://dailytrust.com/23-child-domestics-die-from-abuse-in-abuja/

Eze, C. O., & Nwankwo, M. U. (2023). Power dynamics and child abuse in Nigeria’s affluent households: A qualitative study. Journal of Family Violence, 38(4), 567-582. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-022-00456-7

FCT Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. (2024). Annual report on child protection interventions 2023. Abuja: FMWASD.

FCT Police Command. (2025). Crime statistics: Domestic violence cases 2020-2024. Abuja: Nigeria Police Force.

FCT Social Welfare Secretariat. (2025). Child trafficking and domestic servitude dashboard Q1 2025. Abuja: FCT Administration.

National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons. (2024). National baseline survey on child domestic servitude. Abuja: NAPTIP.

Okafor, E. E., Eze, A. N., & Okeke, C. I. (2022). Religious justification of child abuse among Nigerian civil servants. Journal of Religion and Society, 24, 112-130.

Olagunju, O. T., & Adebayo, A. A. (2024). Digital trafficking networks and child domestic workers in Nigeria. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 18(1), 45-63. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7654321