TRAFFICKING OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN VIS-À-VIS TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (PROHIBITION) LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION ACT 2015 AND OTHER RELEVANT LAWS

Abstract

Trafficking of women and children has become a cause of serious concern to the world and the crime is perpetuated by some very powerful syndicates. Human trafficking especially women and children is deplorable trend in the modern labour market and a growing menace that requires urgent swift response. One of the biggest issues preventing effective development of many nations today is trafficking of women and children. However, women and children made up the majority of victims that NAPTIP recovered in 2019, 44% of the rescued people were women whereas 6% were men, nearly 75% of the youths who were rescued were girls. The study evaluates Nigeria’s legal framework to combat the menace of trafficking of women and children. The aim of the study was to examine trafficking of women and children Vis-A-Vis Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 and other relevant laws. The research methodology was doctrinal approach, using expository and analytical research design. The main sources of data collection were various legal literatures, both from the physical library and the e-library. It was observed that the laws have not been able to adequately stem the tides of the crime, considering its rising profile in recent times. It was recommended among others that Nigerian legislatures should make continuous amendment of the NAPTIP Act, Nigeria constitution and other relevant laws to have stiffer sanctions to meet with the ever changing strategies of traffickers. Amend the laws to remove sentencing provisions that allow fines in lieu of imprisonment for sex trafficking crimes to cooperate with international community to protect victims of trafficking.