The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has raised fresh concerns over the state of global labour markets, warning that millions of workers worldwide continue to live in extreme poverty despite stable economic indicators.
Speaking at the ongoing Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington, D.C., ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo said underlying structural challenges are weakening social cohesion and economic resilience.
Houngbo revealed that about 284 million workers are still living in extreme poverty, while an estimated 2.1 billion people, nearly 58 per cent of the global workforce, remain trapped in informal employment.
Although unemployment rates have remained relatively stable and global growth has continued into early 2026, he noted that labour markets remain fragile. He attributed this to rising sovereign debt, shrinking fiscal space, and increasing global uncertainty, all of which are limiting governments’ ability to support workers effectively.
READ ALSO:
- Trump Orders U.S. Withdrawal from 66 International Organisations Under ‘America First’ Policy
- UNICEF Warns Over 400 Million Children Worldwide Live in Poverty
- Unemployment, Poverty Persist Despite Billions Allocated to LGAs – Senator Kawu
- New Coalitions Set to Tackle Africa’s Learning Poverty Crisis
He further warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is deepening existing vulnerabilities, disrupting energy markets, trade routes, and supply chains, with ripple effects on wages, employment, and working conditions globally.
According to him, the crisis is particularly affecting low-income households, informal and migrant workers, as well as small businesses, raising the risk of child labour, forced labour, and other workplace abuses.
Houngbo called for urgent policy action, urging governments to strengthen social protection systems, support livelihoods, and prioritise job creation and income security. He stressed that in conflict-affected regions, recovery efforts must embed labour rights, fair working conditions, and social protection.
He cautioned that economic growth without decent job creation remains a major risk, noting that societies become increasingly vulnerable where workers lack security, protection, and a voice.
“This is why the persistence of decent work deficits is not only an economic concern but also a rights concern,” he stated.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.