Geneva: As the world marks the World Day Against Child Labour, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has reported that nearly 138 million children were engaged in child labour in 2024. Mr Gilbert Houngbo, ILO's Director-General, shared this alarming statistic during a message delivered at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland. He emphasized that the figure includes approximately 54 million children involved in hazardous work that could jeopardize their health, safety, or development.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Houngbo stated that despite some positive trends, the global community has fallen short of its target to eliminate child labour by 2025. Recent estimates from the ILO and UNICEF revealed a significant reduction of over 22 million children involved in child labour since 2020, reversing a concerning increase observed between 2016 and 2020. The report highlights that while progress is achievable, it necessitates support for parents, enabling them to provide for their children and keep them in educational settings rather than engaging in work to sustain their families.
UNICEF's Executive Director, Catherine Russell, echoed these sentiments, asserting that ending child labour is feasible through legal protections, enhanced social safety nets, investment in free quality education, and improved access to decent employment for adults. She noted that agriculture remains the predominant sector for child labour, encompassing 61% of all cases, followed by services at 27%, which includes domestic work and market activities, and industry at 13%, covering mining and manufacturing. To expedite progress, UNICEF and ILO are urging governments to invest in social protection frameworks, particularly for vulnerable households, and to implement universal child benefits to prevent families from resorting to child labour.
In Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammad Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, reiterated the country's commitment to eradicating child labour. As a Pathfinder Country, Nigeria is intensifying efforts by revising national legislation, enhancing capacities, and executing community-based programmes to rescue and rehabilitate children at risk.
Additionally, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director General of the Nigeria Employers and Association (NECA), called for swift action to eliminate child labour within Nigeria and across Africa. He highlighted that millions of Nigerian children remain engaged in hazardous work, compromising their health, education, and future potential.