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Statistics show human trafficking is still a major issue in Nigeria

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Human trafficking still remains rampant in the Nigerian society. Credit: AllAfrica
  • Nigeria’s ranking of 38/160 of the countries with the most slaves suggests human trafficking is far from over in the nation
  • Federal and state governments have been taking action to combat this as Governor Obaseki launched a task force to tackle human trafficking in Edo State
  • Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, also facilitated the rescue of 10 Nigerian girls

Following the recent trafficking of over ten young girls to Ghana, the federal government has barred underage girls from lodging in hotels. But despite efforts from the government like this, human trafficking remains a menace in Nigerian society, and the statistics below underscore this. 

Human trafficking occurs both locally and internationally in Nigeria 

According to the 2023 Global Slavery Index Report, Nigeria ranked 38/160 of the countries with the most slaves. 

61% of human trafficking in Nigeria occurs locally, while 39% is international trafficking, according to NAPTIP data for the years 2019–2022.

Majority of trafficked persons in Nigeria are women

In the same vein, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) also reported that the majority of trafficked persons in Nigeria are women aged 18 and up. 

NAPTIP saved 1,450 victims of human trafficking, 1,266 of them were women in 2021.

Historically, the majority of Nigerian women who were being trafficked overseas were used for prostitution. Benue State accounted for 12.3% of the trafficking victims that NAPTIP (2021 Report,) successfully rescued in 2021.

Edo State had been a hotspot for human trafficking 

Edo State had been a hotspot for trafficking victims before 2020, with Cable News Network (CNN) having reported that Edo State was Africa's most travelled destination for trafficking. 

In August 2017, Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki had to launch the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking to fight against human trafficking and unsafe migration in the state. 

Abike Dabiri-Erewa recently rescued 10 Nigerian girls 

Recently, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, rescued 10 Nigerian girls who were tricked into Ghana for prostitution. The girls were reportedly 15 to 18 years old and were trafficked under the pretence of being sales girls.

Human trafficking can cause severe trauma, which may have a long-term negative impact on the victim's wellbeing. This calls for a lasting solution to protect the people, especially the vulnerable ones, and preserve the integrity of society. 



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Halima AdeosunAdmin

Halima Adeosun is a news writer with over 5 years of experience reporting insightful events, and human interest stories.

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