EXAMINATION OF THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Trafficking in human beings, especially in minors and young women, for the purpose of sexual exploitation has become an issue of major global concern. This is more so for Nigeria because of the rapid growth of incidents of trafficking in the country in recent years. The Nigerian Government in expression of its commitment to prevent and suppress trafficking in human beings has set up a number of institutions including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP) pursuant to the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.1 This is in realization that State can only realise the full benefits of its legal regime and policies if there are adequate institutional mechanisms for their enforcement. Thus there is need for not just a legal regime but an efficient and effective Institutional frameworks and policies that not only work to dismantle trafficking networks and help survivors rebuild their lives, but also address the underlying forces that encourage trafficking. It is however doubtful whether Nigeria has such a framework.