THE PLAGUE OF SEX TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA

Sex trafficking represents a form of violence predominantly inflicted upon women and encompasses diverse settings and various actors. It has emerged as a pervasive human rights violation in today’s world, potentially being one of the fastest-growing transgressions of human rights on a global scale. The prevalence of sex trafficking has raised international concerns, with particular attention focused on regions like Nigeria, where it has reached alarming levels. The phenomenon of sex trafficking, particularly concerning females, bears resemblance to the historical dehumanizing slave trade, often entailing involuntary servitude, thus earning the grim moniker of modern-day slavery. Unfortunately, sex trafficking persists with impunity, as numerous countries lack robust anti-trafficking legislation. Even in instances where such legislation exists, enforcement remains lax, often due to influential individuals involved in these reprehensible activities. Regrettably, only a small fraction of trafficking cases lead to prosecution, with even fewer resulting in convictions. Fear and shame frequently deter many women and girls from seeking assistance, perpetuating this cycle of victimization. Nigeria, in particular, grapples with the scourge of sex trafficking, prompting legislative action through the enactment of national laws against human trafficking. The deeply organized and powerful syndicates engaged in human trafficking employ a variety of tactics, including deceit and coercion, primarily targeting vulnerable girls who are subsequently trafficked overseas for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. This trafficking constitutes a form of modern-day slavery and represents one of the fastest-growing criminal industries globally. It encompasses the recruitment, transportation, harboring, or abduction of individuals through threats, force, coercion, fraud, or deception for the purpose of exploitation. Victims, both male and female, are often bought and sold, frequently forced to work in brothels and other venues abroad, while some endure debt bondage as they attempt to secure their freedom from their exploiters. Others live in conditions akin to captivity, threatened with harm or even death.

The roots of sex trafficking are multifaceted, often intertwining with poverty, lack of formal education, and limited employment opportunities, particularly in Nigeria. Economic hardships drive individuals, including both parents and trafficked girls, to enter into these arrangements, fully aware of the dangers but compelled by dire circumstances. The United Nations estimates that an astounding 2.5 million people fall victim to trafficking each year, with sex trafficking representing a significant proportion of these cases. This violation of human rights not only occurs in Nigeria but is a pervasive issue worldwide, transcending national borders. Sex trafficking is both morally reprehensible and illegal under international law. Despite the existence of numerous international instruments against trafficking, the illicit trade continues to thrive, often shrouded in secrecy. Globalization has inadvertently facilitated the activities of traffickers, enabling them to transport victims across borders with ease. While Nigeria grapples with the dire consequences of sex trafficking, it is crucial to acknowledge that this issue is a global problem, affecting nearly every country in the world.

Efforts to combat sex trafficking must be intensified, and governments must take concrete steps to address the full extent of the problem. The United Kingdom, for example, has experienced an influx of asylum seekers who are, in reality, trafficking victims. Nigerian women and children are frequently trafficked for sexual exploitation, especially in Europe. The escalating rates of trafficking have led many Nigerians to associate it predominantly with prostitution, overlooking other forms of labor exploitation that are equally prevalent. The vulnerability of women and girls stems from systemic gender discrimination, emphasizing the urgent need to address human rights violations against them. While some victims of sex trafficking are rescued and provided with support, others are treated as criminals by law enforcement agencies. Victims arrested within trafficking circles are often considered illegal immigrants, leading to their immediate deportation to their home countries. The lack of economic alternatives in many cases perpetuates the cycle of trafficking and exploitation. To combat this issue, the Federal Government of Nigeria has taken significant steps, enacting laws against trafficking and prioritizing its prosecution as a criminal justice concern. The establishment of the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) in 2003 signifies Nigeria’s commitment to combating human trafficking. The NAPTIP Act not only created the agency but also criminalized offenses linked to human trafficking and outlined provisions for the protection of trafficked individuals.

RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

Human trafficking, a modern-day form of slavery, has emerged as a prominent and pervasive violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, casting a shadow over global development, safety, and peace. This multifaceted phenomenon exerts detrimental impacts on both the individual subjected to trafficking and society as a whole. The complex nature of trafficking underscores its status as a significant and multifaceted global challenge. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of sex trafficking. Firstly, the lack of effective coordination among key implementing agencies, including the Police, Customs, Immigration, and NAPTIP (National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons) officials, represents a critical obstacle. Inadequate networking and collaboration among these agencies impede efforts to combat sex trafficking effectively. Secondly, the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders, coupled with corrupt border officials, poses a substantial barrier to the fight against sex trafficking within the country. Victims trafficked from Nigeria frequently utilize these porous borders to access foreign countries. To address this issue, there is a pressing need for enhanced synergy among all stakeholders to expedite prosecution and potentially secure convictions, thereby deterring potential traffickers. Furthermore, it is imperative to launch robust awareness campaigns and educational initiatives led by human rights activists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to shed light on the pernicious nature of this practice. These efforts should focus on raising awareness in rural areas, where vulnerable girls are often enticed away from their homes. It is noteworthy that Nigeria has achieved some degree of success in its endeavors to combat trafficking.

REFERENCES

Agatise, E. (2005). Women Trafficking From West Africa to Europe, Cultural Dimensions and        Strategies. Retrieved January 1, 2011, from http://www koed.hu/mozaik/5/esohe.pdf

Gbadamosi, O. A. (2006). International perspectives and Nigerian laws on human trafficking.     Retrieved February 2, 2013, from http://www .justice and democracy.org/trffic%20Bk.p

Nnadi, I. (2013). Sex Trafficking and women- The Nigerian Experience. Journal of Politics and   Law, 6(3), 179-188