Prevention of Human Trafficking in Nigeria

The illegal act of human trafficking, or trafficking in persons (TIP), involves moving or coercing individuals to exploit their labor or services, usually through forced labor or sexual exploitation. This article sheds light on the Prevention of Human Trafficking in Nigeria.

The United Nations Trafficking in Persons Protocol refers to it as “the recruitment, transport, transfer, harboring or receipt of a person by such means as threat or use of force or other forms of coercion.

A major international crime, human trafficking, involves buying and selling individuals and using them for profit. This crime, which happens everywhere in the world, can affect people of various genders, ages, and origins.

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There is no segregation whatsoever as long as the individual(s) in question still has the strength to work or is deemed valuable or fit for the job description. To fool, coerce, and deceive their victims, traffickers use violence, dishonest employment agencies, and false promises of education and work possibilities.

The organized groups or individuals responsible for this lucrative crime prey on those who are weak, in need, or just looking for greener pastures. 

These victims will be subjected to various inhumane treatments such as child labor, forced marriage, thievery, manipulative begging, prostitution, involuntary organ donation, and the gory act of human sacrifice.

Its Prevalence in Nigeria

Human trafficking has proven, quite certainly, to be a staple incident in Nigeria. This idea has been stamped by the strings of happenings recorded in the nation’s history from the early 1980s.

By the late 1990s, it had taken center stage in national and international discourse. People trafficking has been designated as a source, channel, and endpoint in Nigeria due to its prevalence.

Women and children suffer more when it comes to human trafficking. They traffic numerous Nigerian women, children, and teenagers to North Africa and European countries, be they prominent or small.

According to statistical estimates, between 750,000 and one million people have been trafficked annually in Nigeria. Approximately 72% of those trafficked occur between different states. 26% occurring within states, and the remaining 2% occurring outside of Nigeria.

Human trafficking results from Nigeria’s population boom and unfavorable economic conditions. These opportunities include education, decent jobs, and higher income.

Figure about 16 million Nigerians reside outside Nigeria in the diaspora due to the demand for access to quality education and jobs. These unfavorable conditions are another reason for the perpetrators of this evil practice to engage in it. 

Human trafficking remains a major challenge to the nation and the global community because it threatens human living standards and the causes of criminal endeavors on a grand scale.

Ways of Preventing Human Trafficking in Nigeria

Human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world”. This false empire laced with blood and violence grows at a rate that is beyond that of drug trading.

This should tick off various warning sounds and alarms in our heads and, in turn, bring to our realization the need for its eradication. Ways of Preventing Human Trafficking in Nigeria include:

Educational Facelift

In the past, people considered education the key to success. Nowadays, most Nigerian youths have lost their belief in educational potential.

Not only is it impossible to afford quality education, but it is also nearly unachievable to complete one’s degree in the allotted time.

The government has refused to invest in the educational sector, as evident in various spells of strikes by the educational governing bodies. Over the years, the situation has left many with unfulfillment and a feeling stuck in the “grey areas.” 

Not feeling patient enough, many youths turn to anything quick-paying, such as setting up unsuspecting victims for trafficking or luring them into it. Consequently, revamping the educational structure and delivering on all the shortcomings is essential. With this act, the youths will believe in the power and prosperity of education. 

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Adjusting the rural initiative

Urban societies are always a thing of utmost wonder and bewilderment to people living in the rural parts of the country. This has led to their ability to manipulate using the promise of urban life. Therefore, there is a need to focus on rural areas to curb widespread activities.

Creation of job opportunities

An idle hand, they say, is the devil’s workshop. The unemployment rate in the country is currently at 9.71%, with a mean increase of 0.66% per year.

As unemployment rates continue to rise along with the size of the population, more and more people are without routine jobs that can meet their needs and those of their families.

People with skills and craftsmanship also suffer because they cannot keep up with the increased prices of equipment needed. As a result, they turn to human trafficking as a favorable resort. Creating more jobs, whether formal or informal, will curb indulgence in human trafficking

Through the Media

The citizens should know that this criminal activity has been around for years and is still very much at large. It would be helpful if the media created topics concerning human trafficking and hammered them.

The media is very powerful, and with their power, it is possible to propagate the message against human trafficking like wide fire.

Individual and Communal Vigilance

The perpetrators of this crime are humans, and with whistleblowing, we can curtail the coordination of the activities. In addition, sensitization of the public on how they can be vigilant and not susceptible to the tricks of these criminals is essential.

Harsh Penalty for Defaulters

Tagging a hefty punishment for human trafficking will send a strong message to all involved or contemplating it.

Final Thoughts on the Prevention of Human Trafficking in Nigeria

Human trafficking in Nigeria is a dreaded topic that strikes fear into its citizens’ hearts. It has displaced many from their families and introduced them to life, not of their choosing.

We all must put our hands on deck to stop this unpalatable act. The cooperation of the government, media, and the masses is what we need to stop human trafficking.

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