Child labour statistics for 2024 reveal nearly 138 million children globally, including 54 million in hazardous work, as the world misses its 2025 elimination target despite a recent 22 million reduction since 2020
Mr Gilbert Houngbo, Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), in Geneva stated on Thursday that the world had missed its target of eliminating child labour by 2025 , as the world observed World Day Against Child Labour.
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The ILO revealed that child labour statistics indicate nearly 138 million children were engaged in child labour globally in 2024.
This alarming figure includes approximately 54 million children involved in hazardous work, which is likely to jeopardise their health, safety, or development.
These figures were disclosed in a message delivered by Houngbo during the ongoing 113th Session of the International Labour Conference.
While acknowledging a positive trend, with a total reduction of over 22 million children since 2020 reversing an alarming spike observed between 2016 and 2020 the new estimates by the ILO and UNICEF underscore the significant challenge that persists.
Houngbo explained that the report’s findings “offer hope and show that progress is possible but parents must themselves be supported and have access to decent work.”
He emphasised the importance of supporting families “so that they can afford to ensure that their children are in classrooms and not selling things in markets or working in family farms to help support their family.”
Echoing this sentiment, UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, reiterated that progress towards ending child labour is indeed possible.
This can be achieved, she suggested, “by applying legal safeguards, expanded social protection, investment in free, quality education, and better access to decent work for adults.”
We are reviewing national legislations, building capacities, strengthening capacities and implementing community best programmes, as well as rescue and rehabilitate vulnerable children
According to the comprehensive data presented, agriculture continues to be the largest sector for child labour, accounting for a staggering 61 per cent of all cases.
This is followed by the services sector, including domestic work and selling goods in markets, which represents 27 per cent. Industry, encompassing mining and manufacturing, accounts for 13 per cent of child labour cases.
To accelerate progress, UNICEF and the ILO jointly called upon governments to significantly invest in social protection systems, particularly for vulnerable households.
They specifically advocated for universal child benefits, ensuring that families are not compelled to resort to child labour out of economic necessity.
Furthermore, Russell stressed the imperative to strengthen child protection systems, which are crucial for identifying, preventing, and effectively responding to children at risk, especially those facing the worst forms of child labour.
In Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammad Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, affirmed the country’s ongoing measures towards eliminating child labour.
Dingyadi highlighted Nigeria’s status as a Pathfinder Country, intensifying its efforts to eradicate both child and forced labour.
“We are reviewing national legislations, building capacities, strengthening capacities and implementing community best programmes, as well as rescue and rehabilitate vulnerable children,” he stated.
Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director General of the Nigeria Employers and Association (NECA), also called for accelerated action to eliminate child labour not only in Nigeria but across the entire African continent.
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He lamented that millions of Nigerian children continue to engage in dangerous work, sacrificing their health, education, and future potential due to these persistent challenges.
