Nearly 138 million children were engaged in child labour globally in 2024, with around 54 million involved in hazardous work that threatens their health and development, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The grim figure was announced by ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo on Thursday during the World Day Against Child Labour, held at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
Despite a decrease of over 22 million cases since 2020, Houngbo acknowledged that the world has failed to meet its target of eliminating child labour by 2025. He stressed that progress, while evident, must be accelerated.
“The findings of the report offer hope and show that progress is possible. But parents must themselves be supported and have access to decent work,” Houngbo said. “Only then can they afford to keep their children in school instead of in markets or on family farms.”
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell echoed this sentiment, noting that ending child labour is achievable through legal reforms, social protection, free quality education, and improved employment opportunities for adults.
The joint ILO-UNICEF report revealed that agriculture remains the largest contributor to child labour, accounting for 61% of all cases. This is followed by services (27%) such as domestic work and market trading, and industry (13%), including mining and manufacturing.
To accelerate the fight against child labour, UNICEF and the ILO are urging governments to expand social protection systems, including universal child benefits. They also stressed the need to strengthen child protection frameworks, especially for children facing the worst forms of exploitation.
In Nigeria, Minister of Labour and Employment Alhaji Mohammad Dingyadi affirmed the country’s commitment to eliminating child labour. As a designated Pathfinder Country, Nigeria is reviewing national laws, building capacity, and implementing community-based rescue and rehabilitation programmes.
Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), also called for urgent, continent-wide action.
“Millions of Nigerian children continue to engage in dangerous work, sacrificing their health, education, and future potential. We must accelerate efforts to end this injustice,” he said.
