ABSTRACT
To achieve the objective of this research, study was divided into five functionally related chapters. To begin with, in chapter one a broad introduction to the study with references the human trafficking was analyzed. Following the introductory note, the purpose of the study was examined, viz-a-viz to dispel the growing negative perception of Human trafficking as it affect societal values. The methodology of the study was clearly stated to include oral traditions and written material such as textbooks, dissertations, journal and articles. The scope of the study was noted to be range and period the study covered, after which some relevant literature relating to the topic under study were thoroughly relieved.
In chapter two, attempt was made to explain the historical background of human trafficking, the origin, meaning, nature of human trafficking, trajectory of human trafficking in Nigeria, human trafficking and it human rights violation and volume of trafficking in person in Nigeria.
The chapter three, examined the causes of creation of NATIP, its nature, operational mode and manifestations. the study examine how NATIP has been able to fight and curb human trafficking both domestic and on the international level.
In chapter four, This chapter explores the role and action operations of NAPTIP in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria. The chapter also show case event and live stories on how NAPTIP has arrested human trafficker agent and their prostitution cartel both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.
This study has been centered on human trafficking among Nigerian. The need for the study arises because of the alarming rate of increase of human trafficking among the youth in the area of under study. From the study, it was discovered that human trafficking brings about total moral breakdown and breakdown of peaceful marriage or homes. Human trafficking brings about loss of lives and property; human trafficking terminates academic careers and also bring poor national image or poor reputation.
Nigeria has been bedeviled by myriad of problem most of the problems can be attributed to the pervasiveness of some of the ills that hamper the attainment of the development of the Nigerian societies. As a result of ills that currently hampers the development of the country, human trafficking has become widespread and now occupied a preeminent position among the ills that pervade the Nigeria society. While, it may appear that the problem of human trafficking seem endemic in Edo State which has been described as the hub of recruitment of victims of traffickers there are indications that no parts of the country is immune from this social malaise that has ravaged many communities in Nigeria.
An overview of the history of slavery and an analysis of the modern conceptualization of human trafficking have indicated human trafficking is a highly complex concept, and that there are various approaches to the understanding of the concept of human trafficking. Again, there are various definitions of trafficking found in international instruments of which the most important has been identified as that contained in the Palemo Protocol. The definitions vary also because trafficking is closely related to the phenomenon of migration, slavery and smuggling of humans.4 The study further identified some significant root causes of trafficking generally as well as specific to the selected area (Edo State). It was found that the root causes of trafficking are basically the same in all jurisdictions, depending on whether it is a country of region; destination; or both. These root causes of human trafficking are mainly poverty, unemployment; lack of education; poor borders and ingrained gender discrimination.
Human trafficking is considered to be modern day slavery where many children and women are forcefully or fraudulently recruited, transported and harbored for sexual or labour exploitation. The victims of human trafficking are usually made to provide sex under threat and without consent. The international labour organization (ILO) recently estimated that over twelve million Nigerian children especially in Edo state are engaged in child labour and its subsequent human trafficking. The survey also estimated that over ten thousand Nigerian girls are engaged in prostitution in Italy which constitutes half of the Italian Sex Market.
It was found that in Nigeria, similar to the history of slavery in the jurisdiction of the US, Germany and Britain colonization and the institution of slavery and, more particularly in Edo State, the legacy of colonialism and more recently the impact of globalization have had an impact on modern human trafficking. it was observed that the combating of human trafficking and related issues such as victim protection is not sufficiently addressed in Edo State. The research conceded that though common-law crimes and statutes can be utilized to challenge some trafficking elements, these offences are not comprehensive enough to amply deal with the crimes’ complexities and provide only a fragmented approach to combating the crime. Regarding the transitional legislation in place to prosecute trafficking offenders, it was noted that although the sexual offense Act 2007 and the Children’s Act 2005 include the crime of trafficking, the crime appears in a limited manner in both Acts. Trafficking in the sexual offences Act 2007 is directed at both adult and children but the offence is limited to trafficking for sexual purposes, and the provisions in the children’s Act restricts trafficking offences to these committed against children.
The study established also that international, regional and sub-regional instruments on trafficking and related aspects of trafficking provide guidelines for developing effective strategies as found in treaties (including convention), protocols, declarations and resolution; those focusing specifically on combating trafficking and those with already trafficked and create structures for prevention. Regional instruments specifically formulated to combat trafficking as well as instruments that make reference to the issue of trafficking in persons may further provided the basis for long-term strategies to combat human trafficking. However, it was found that although Nigeria has adopted many cooperation mechanisms in the form of direct bilateral or multilateral agreements, as well as international and regional treaties and conventions, the jurisdiction has not yet implemented comprehensive strategies to combat human trafficking.
The introduction of legislation to combat human trafficking, and various other strategies envisaged in the NATIP Act and also suggested in this study, should be considered buy parliament as a matter of priority. A comprehensive response to human trafficking which includes adequate protection of victims is required in terms of various constitutional imperative identified in this study. While the Government has made some progress in addressing the problem, it can be argued that the Government can do more to prevent trafficking and protect victims. For instance, according to the 2015 TIP Report the government of Nigeria does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The Government has to implement formal procedures for the return and reintegration of Nigerian victims to ensure that victims are afforded adequate care upon their return of Nigeria; take proactive measures to investigate and prosecute government officials suspected of trafficking related corruption and complicity in trafficking offenses; and fully integrate anti-trafficking responsibilities into the work of the Nigerian Police Force and the Ministry of Labour.
Again, it is important to note that it is necessary, in order to effectively fight human trafficking, to address the long list of factors identified and facilitates human trafficking in Nigeria, such as poverty, limited educational opportunity, limited access to media, traditions of child labour and fostering, discrimination against women, and high rates of orphan hood due to HIV/AIDS.
Finally, human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery which involves the movement of thousand of Nigeria women and children mainly through land routes of some North and West African countries with the ultimate aim of taking them to Europe for slave labour and prostitution. The escalation of the incidence of human trafficking in Nigeria began in 1980s as a result of decline in Nigeria’s economy which gave rise to pervasive poverty at family level; frightening unemployment, deterioration of social infrastructure; low wages, soaring price of goods and consequent social misery among the populace. This situation provoked the urge to immigration to foreign countries by many Nigerians to seek for better life and favourable economic opportunities.
Some Nigerian citizens who embarked on the desperate journey did not reach their destination due to associated hazards, while those who got to their destinations found themselves engaging in precarious jobs akin to slave labour, prostitution or crime. This created bad image for the country and necessitated the establishment of NAPTIP, and collaboration with some international organizations and agencies to sterm the tide.The scourge of human trafficking still persists in Nigeria despite federal government’s concerted actions. Indeed, it has become part of the global problem illegal migration involving hundreds of thousands of people mainly from middle East and Africa especially Nigeria, which threaten the social stability of Europe. Thus placing a stigma on Edo State in particular and Nigeria as hub of trafficking in persons.
