AN EVALUATION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

In recent times, human trafficking is one of the most serious forms of human rights
violations confronting the world, including Nigeria. It involves the recruitment,
transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of persons by force, deception, or
vulnerability. Nigeria has been identified as a major source of human trafficking
affecting women, men, and children across all the geopolitical zones. Due to harsh
economic conditions, most persons are lured by human traffickers to seek better
opportunities outside their location, within or outside the shores of Nigeria. In
contrast, others voluntarily opt to be trafficked. There are persons trafficked for
various forms of exploitation, including sexual exploitation, forced labour,
domestic servitude, child labour and organ harvesting. Human trafficking has
continued to increase in Nigeria despite the enactment of several laws and the
establishment of institutional mechanisms to combat this menace; human
trafficking remains prevalent in Nigeria. This paper evaluates the nature and scope
of human trafficking in Nigeria, examines the existing legal regimes, and identifies
the challenges hindering the effective implementation of anti-trafficking laws. The
paper argues that there is a need for a multifaceted approach to combating human
trafficking by addressing gaps in implementation and enhancing global
cooperation to curb this heinous crime. It concludes with recommendations aimed
at strengthening Nigeria’s response to trafficking in persons through legal reforms
and enhanced victim protection/support systems.