Human trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery, is a serious violation of human rights that involves the trafficking of people for the purpose of economic exploitation or profit. Nigeria, like other countries around the world, is facing this serious problem. Nigeria is a major source, transit and destination country for people who are victims of trafficking in persons, such as forced labour or forced prostitution.
Trafficking routes: the path of exploitation
Women and children who are victims of human trafficking are recruited both within and outside of Nigeria. Some of the people who are trafficked from Nigeria are transported to other countries in West and Central Africa, such as Gabon and Ghana, as well as to other countries in the Mediterranean and North Africa, such as Italy and Russia. Some of the children are also trafficked from other West African countries, like Benin and Ghana, and are used for various purposes. According to statistics from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) from 2019-2022, 61% of human trafficking in Nigeria occurs internally, while 39% is cross-border trafficking.
Root Causes of Human Trafficking in Nigeria
The issue of human trafficking in Nigeria is exacerbated by a population boom and unfavourable economic conditions, which lead to unemployment, underemployment, and insecurity. These factors drive citizens to seek better opportunities in other countries. Such opportunities include education, decent jobs, and higher income.
Countermeasures: Tackling Human Trafficking
Since 2009, Nigeria has been making concerted efforts to tackle human trafficking. This has been achieved through collaborations with various stakeholders, including the Police, customs, immigration, Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The Public Enlightenment Unit of NAPTIP, with a focus on remote areas of Benue, Kogi, and Edo states, partners with Devatop Centre for Africa Development to create awareness and has educated over 5000 women, teenagers, educators, and youth on human trafficking prevention.
In 2015, they initiated “The Academy for Prevention of Human Trafficking and Other Related Matters (TAPHOM)”, a pilot project aimed at training anti-human trafficking advocates to combat human trafficking in their communities. Between 2015 and 2016, the project trained 120 people from 6 states.
The “Improved Response to Trafficking in Persons” project, supported by the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), commenced in April 2020. The overall goal of the project is to strengthen the capacities of state and non-state actors to respond to trafficking in persons at the state level.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
While Nigeria has made significant strides in combating human trafficking, there is still a long way to go. Continued efforts to educate the public, strengthen law enforcement, and provide support for victims are crucial in the fight against this global issue. The battle against human trafficking is not one that can be won overnight, but with sustained effort and commitment, it is a battle that can certainly be won.
