The United Nations says no fewer than 138 million children are affected by child labour labour across the world, advocating urgent actions to address its root causes.

The UN deputy secretary general, Amina Muhammed, stated this in a brief campaign against child labour posted on her official X handle on Wednesday.

“138 million children are still robbed of their childhoods by child labour,” Ms Muhammed stated.

She noted that ending the scourge demands actions committed to tackling poverty, inequality and the lack of decent work at their roots, while building communities where every child can learn, grow and thrive.

“Ending child labour requires more than targeted interventions. It must be embedded within our broader development strategies that tackle its root causes and create conditions where families do not face impossible choices,” the UN boss stated.

Ms Muhammed also advocated genuine investment in education and skills development, stressing the need for policies that support transition to decent work.

“This means investing in quality education and skills development that opens pathways to real opportunities. 

“It means shaping labour market policies that support the transition from school to decent work, backed by strong social protection systems and inclusive economic growth. 

“It also means enforcement. Child labour should be illegal everywhere those who exploit children must be held accountable and this includes the private sector,” she added.

The UN campaign against child labour came amid efforts by several Nigerian states, including Lagos, Borno and others, to ban street hawking and other illegal activities that rob children of their dignity and potential, and are inimical to their development.