Human Trafficking in Nigeria: A Challenging National Menace

Abstract

This study examines the challenges of human trafficking in Nigeria and their human rights implications. The phenomenon of human trafficking has assumed an alarming dimension in Nigeria such that it has become a trending criminal business. The study examined the root causes of human trafficking as well as the nature, trends, and antecedent of human trafficking in Nigeria. The study findings reveal that the devastating impacts of human and sex trafficking include economic, social, health, national security and rule of law. Some of the reasons why accurate assessment of the scale and impact of the menace is difficult include its clandestine nature, inadequate national definitions, inexperience in handling the matter, the victims’ inability or unwillingness to cooperate and lack of political will. The study concluded that in order to put the crime of human and sex trafficking in Nigeria in check, the combined efforts of law enforcement and human rights groups will be required with strong legislations at both state and national levels.