Trafficking is the third largest crime in Nigeria, with the African giant leading the charge in the continent. Cultural norms, population, and the economy had a hand in this.
- Nigeria ranks 32/167 in the counties with the highest number of trafficked persons
- 76.6% of the total number of trafficked persons is female between ages 16-25
- The total number of trafficked person outside Nigeria is unknown
- Despite identifying government officials involved, Nigeria has failed to bring anyone to book.
Nigeria remains a focal point for trafficking, so much so that the US places her on the Tier 2 watch list. Worse still, women and girls represent 76.6% of trafficked persons in between 2013 and 2015.
And concerning location, trafficking incidents were over 75%. The instances were lower within states, 23%. On average, 77.7% of women ages 18-27 were trafficked for prostitution from 2013 to 2015, with 94% of them hailing from Edo State. However, the total number of persons trafficked outside Nigeria is unknown.
NBS’ report further revealed that of those trafficked for forced labour, within the same period, women aged 18-27 made up 67.5% of the total.
At the core of Trafficking…
At the core of the human trafficking challenge in Nigeria, lies poverty. What with some 40.09% of the nation’s populace living below the poverty line, desperation and exploitation set in. Because of this, many migrate from their localities hoping to continue education or secure better work. And instead, they inadvertently walk into forced labour.
Other than limited economic opportunities, illiteracy, demand for cheap labour and sociocultural practices within the country have further propagated this act.
The Troubling Fact
Nigeria still has a big valley to cross in the fight to reduce and possibly eliminate trafficking. After all, the country is yet to meet the minimum standard requirement for eliminating trafficking within its territory. Topmost amongst this is the progressive training of government officials and creating public awareness.
Again, the country has failed to bring government officials involved in trafficking to book. Not to mention the incomplete disbursement of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) budget.
Taking the Right Steps
First of which would be to hold officials responsible, including security officials, for their role in trafficking. To this end, the government must investigate and not sweep things under the rug.
Furthermore, capacity building for Nigerian embassies across the globe will go a long way in identifying and assisting victims abroad. This can include but not limited to providing travelling documents at no cost to these victims to enable them to return. Also important is creating awareness and educating communities on the subject of trafficking.
Likewise, improvement of access to humanitarian actors will aid NAPTIP and other key players in the field. This will also enable independent investigators to protect victims who come out; further helping to uncover trafficking hot spots across the country.
Most important would be to implement policies that protect victims of trafficking. Chief of which is the draft protocol which ensures children identified in armed conflict return to civilian authorities who provide care for them and screen for trafficking. This initiative will make certain the full integration of these victims into the society; also equipping them with necessary information to enhance their lives.
However, to achieve these goals, collaboration is key. Hence, stakeholders such as NAPTIP and law enforcement need to work together. Community intervention is also vital, as most of these victims originate from the grassroots.