Human trafficking and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remain significant challenges in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting women and children.
By Aderogba George
Human trafficking and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remain significant challenges in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting women and children.
Human trafficking in the country takes various forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced marriage.
It is estimated that about 750,000 to one million persons are trafficked annually in Nigeria and that more than 75 per cent of those trafficked are trafficked across the states.
Similarly, 23 per cent of victims are trafficked within states while 2 per cent are trafficked outside the country, according to a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report.
Meanwhile, SGBV involves physical, emotional, and economic abuse.
Women and girls are especially vulnerable due to poverty, lack of education, and limited access to resources.
The Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 found that 9 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 had suffered sexual assault at least once in their lifetime and 31 per cent had experienced physical violence.
Traffickers often prey on rural communities using deceptive tactics. A large number of trafficked individuals, particularly young girls, are subjected to sexual exploitation.
According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Nigeria is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), established in 2003, has led the fight against human trafficking and SGBV.
Under the leadership of Director-General Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, the agency has made significant progress in victim rescue, prosecution of offenders, and collaboration with national and international stakeholders.
In recent operations, NAPTIP rescued 78 Nigerians, mostly young girls, recently returned to the country, along with 231 victims trafficked from Ghana.
The agency also intercepted several victims en route to various destination countries for exploitation and rescued nine pregnant girls from a baby factory.
In the first six months of Adamu-Bello’s tenure, NAPTIP prosecuted and secured convictions for 38 offenders involved in trafficking and violence against persons (TIP/VAP).
A total of 363 suspects were arrested, 815 victims were recovered and sheltered and 444 cases were documented, with support from state governments such as Yobe and Kano.
To strengthen local action, NAPTIP secured commitments from the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) to tackle human trafficking and SGBV at the grassroots level.
It also gained legislative support from the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abass.
One of NAPTIP’s major milestones is the first High-Level Policy Meeting on Human Trafficking in Nigeria, supported by the Swiss Government under the “From Policy to Action” project for implementing the 2022–2026 National Action Plan on human trafficking.
The agency has also inaugurated key infrastructure projects, including the commissioning of a newly renovated training centre by the German Embassy and the activation of a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) data platform.
Additionally, construction has commenced on an annex block of its headquarters to address space and accommodation challenges.
Additionally, a digital anti-trafficking centre was established in Katsina State with support from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
NAPTIP is also working with the Katsina State Government to establish a state command.
The agency renewed partnerships with EU member states and gained support from Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, in its efforts to combat human trafficking and SGBV.
NAPTIP recently trained 160 data officers from its commands, civil society organisations (CSOs), and state task forces across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones on trafficking reporting tools.
Through public awareness campaigns such as town hall, radio shows, and social media outreach, NAPTIP continues to educate the public and promote prevention.
In spite of progress, the agency faces challenges including emerging trends like online trafficking and exploitation.
Notably, 61 per cent of human trafficking cases in Nigeria occur within the country, highlighting the need for increased domestic intervention.
NAPTIP is also focusing on training and capacity-building for its officers to enhance professionalism and response capability.
The agency has received additional support from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), whose chairman pledged robust cooperation in the fight against trafficking.
Collaboration with international organisations like the IOM has further bolstered efforts.
As trafficking tactics evolve, NAPTIP must continually reassess its strategies, enhance communication efforts to reach vulnerable populations, and ensure stronger enforcement, victim support, and rehabilitation.
Its work remains crucial in addressing the complex challenges of human trafficking and SGBV in Nigeria. (NANFeatures)