The Legal and Institutional Frameworks Aimed at Curbing Human Trafficking in Nigeria

Abstract

Due to overpopulation and unfavourable economic conditions that lead to unemployment and insecurity in Nigeria, many individuals have been lured into seeking better opportunities in Nigeria and across the Nigerian borders. While some make this decision without being intimidated, others are lured by human traffickers. This paper examines the legal and institutional frameworks for preventing human trafficking in Nigeria. The paper analyses why people fall prey to human trafficking, the various forms it takes, and the legal and institutional frameworks established to combat it. The paper adopts a qualitative and doctrinal methodology and finds that Nigeria has adequate legislative provisions to address human trafficking, but these laws must be effectively implemented. The paper highlights that the penal provisions in the Child Rights Act of 2003 are more stringent than those in the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act of 2015. Furthermore, the paper observes that while anti-trafficking agencies are trying to combat human trafficking, more action is needed to address the high-profile individuals involved in human trafficking who evade legal
consequences. The paper offers recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the legal and institutional frameworks and concludes that the laws should be implemented by an established institution to avoid bias.