Human Trafficking in Nigeria: Barriers to Effective Victim Protection and Law Reform Needs

Abstract

This study assessed human trafficking in Nigeria with focus on patterns of exploitation, legal controls and obstacles to victim protection. A doctrinal research design was adopted through examination of domestic legislation and international instruments on trafficking and child protection. The analysis reviewed the 1999 Constitution, the Child Rights Act 2003, the Immigration Act 2015 and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015, together with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons. Trafficking was examined through its elements of recruitment, transportation, transfer and harbouring by means of force, deception or abuse of vulnerability for purposes such as sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, organ removal and forced criminal activity. National enforcement data showed internal and transnational dimensions such as child domestic labour, sexual exploitation, illegal sale of persons, forced labour and grievous harm. Review of enforcement revealed weak prosecution rates, light sentencing in some instances, absence of a formal witness protection scheme, evidentiary limits affecting electronic and cross-border testimony, rivalry among enforcement bodies, corruption and resource shortages. Victim cooperation remained constrained by fear of reprisals, stigma and language barriers, while shelters and rehabilitation facilities faced funding gaps. The study recommended amendment of existing legislation to strengthen penalties and evidentiary provisions, establishment of a statutory witness protection programme, improved coordination among enforcement agencies, sustained funding for shelters and legal aid and expansion of public education, poverty reduction and vocational support initiatives to reduce vulnerability to recruitment and exploitation.

Keywords

References