THE ROLE OF NATIONAL AGENCY FOR THE PROHIBITION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSON (NAPTIP) ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING (2015 -2022)

ABSTRACT

Human trafficking is a heinous crime that affects people all over the world. In Nigeria, this crime has become increasingly pervasive and has had a severe impact on its victim’s lives and future prospects. In response to this situation, the National Agency for the Protection of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) was established to provide support to victims and prevent future occurrences of the crime. The study is exploratory; relied on secondary materials and built around Structural Functionalism theory. The study revealed that Nigeria has undertaken several mechanisms to address human/child trafficking problem within her borders. However, the paper recommended the need for the Nigerian government to ensure that NAPTIP receives sufficient funding for its fight against human trafficking, as well as, creating awareness , national campaigns and public enlightenment against this menace. More so, there is need to strengthen the borders between Nigeria and her countries. In addition, there is need to address the root causes of human trafficking such as the issues of poverty, inequality and conflicts..

                                     

 

 

 

 

              

     TABLE OF CONTENT

 

Title Page

Approval Page

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Abstract

Table of Contents

 

 

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1    Background to the Study

1.2    Statement of the Problem

1.3    Research Questions

1.4    Objectives of the Study

1.5.   Significance of the Study

1.6    Scope of the Study

1.7    Limitations of the Study

1.8    Literature Review

1.9    Theoretical Framework

1.10  Research Hypothesis

1.11  Research Methodology

1.12  Method of Data Collection

1.13  Definition of Terms

 

CHAPTER TWO: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

2.1   Origin of Human Trafficking

2.2   Emergence of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP)

 

CHAPTER THREE: THE NATURE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND THE ROLE OF NAPTIP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN NIGERIA

3.1  Nature of Human Trafficking

3.2  Roles of NAPTIP in the Fight Against Human Trafficking in Nigeria

3.3  Recorded Cases of Human Trafficking in Nigeria 2015 – 2022 And Role NAPTIP Played

 

CHAPTER FOUR: CAUSES OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN NIGERIA

4.1 Major Causes of Human Trafficking

4.2  Implications of Human Trafficking in Nigeria

 

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1  Summary

5.2  Conclusion

5.3  Recommendations

References

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                      CHAPTER ONE

                                                     INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Human trafficking is a global phenomenon, an endemic social problem; very pervasive and heinous crime and one of the most pressing human rights problems across the world and Nigeria in particular (Adepoju, 2005). The gravity of the problem of trafficking in persons has seemingly defied several efforts by international organizations, the government and non-governmental organizations alike. It is because trafficking in persons has proved to be a relatively lucrative business or venture for those who engage in this act. According to Ayua (2001) human trafficking entails the trafficking of persons usually children and young girls for prostitution and cheap labour, within Nigeria and from Nigeria to other countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas, and this has also aggravated several other forms of cross border crimes in Nigeria and Africa in general.

On a global scale, the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT) was born out of a renewed commitment by world leaders in the battle against human trafficking to end this crime; one of the most egregious violations of human rights in the world today(UNODC, 2008). Formally launched in March 2007 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and made possible by a generous grant from the United Arab Emirates, UN.GIFT became a call to action, reminding Governments, civil society actors, the media, the business community and concerned individuals of their common commitments to fighting trafficking in persons, and that this battle cannot be fought, or won, alone (Ebirim, 2009). As at 4 December 2007, a hundred and sixteen countries have ratified the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially among women and children, thereby providing a common framework for international efforts (UNODC, 2008). Only by joining forces, pooling knowledge, expanding the scope and number of stakeholders and cooperating across borders can we hope to eradicate human trafficking. Acknowledging this need at all levels, UNODC continues to develop UN.GIFT in partnership with the International Labour Organization, the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations Children’s Fund; the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (UNODC, 2008).

In the case of Nigeria, therefore, the federal government was compelled to establish a more robust presence and effective agency to tackle and curtail the problem of human trafficking in Nigeria. This led to the formation of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP) on 14th July, 2003. Despite all these measures however; human trafficking across the Sahel has persisted with an undiminishing intensity. Similarly, despite all the humiliation, torture and deportation of several young Nigerian women from various European and other foreign countries, many more young women in Nigeria are committed and determined to find their ways to foreign nations and engage in prostitution and other humiliating or degrading professions (Ebirim, 2009). Within Africa, Nigeria is the largest single source of trafficked persons of Europe and Asia. Also, the trafficking in persons department report of the United States of America in July identified Nigeria as a source, transit and destination country for trafficked persons. It further mentioned that the victims of human trafficking are men, women and children (Anikwe, 2021).

In order to curb the menace of human trafficking in Nigeria the trafficking of persons (prohibition) law enforcement and administration act was signed into law in the year 2003. The laws contains far reaching provisions on trafficking and establishes the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP).  NAPTIP has the responsibility to enforce laws against trafficking in persons and to take charge and coordinate the rehabilitation and counseling of trafficked persons and for related matter. Apparently, researchers have made some concerted efforts to find solutions to human trafficking in Nigeria, but the problem still persists. This research therefore, has set out to examine the role of National Agency For the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) on human trafficking.

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Although Nigeria has abundant human and natural resources, offering tremendous potential for rapid growth, there are deep-rooted challenges, environmentally, politically and security wise that has affected the prosperity and peace of the country. Consequently, the phenomenon of human trafficking across Nigeria has become an issue of serious global concern in the twenty-first century. Trafficking in persons is not only a human rights problem; it also subsumes numerous other negativities with disastrous consequences on a global scale. Be that as it may, the widespread contemporary exploitation of men, women and children is unacceptable to people of conscience the world over. Traditional approaches to preventing trafficking in human beings, to protect and assist trafficked persons and bring criminals to justice have had some small impact on the global phenomenon, but not enough. That one young woman is subjected to the brutal humiliation of sexual exploitation and that one man becomes the slave of a cruel taskmaster in another country are clear signals that we must renew both our resolve as well as our initiatives to protect those who are vulnerable.

This trend of human trafficking has provoked heavy attention of scholars, especially on the inability to combat the menace of human trafficking. Sequel to the above, this research shall focus on the menace of human trafficking across the Nigeria with special focus on the efforts of National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP). NAPTIP was chosen as an area of focus, due to the fact that it is an agency setup by the federal government of Nigeria to address the scourge of human trafficking. Also, the agency was a response by the federal Government to the international obligation under the trafficking in person’s protocol supplementing the United Nations transnational organized crime convention (TOC). Therefore, the central task of this research is to examine the extent to which NAPTIP has performed its role as an agency for curbing the menace of human trafficking across Nigeria.

 

1.3 Research Questions

1. What are the major causes of human trafficking in Nigeria?
2. What roles does NAPTIP play in curbing the menace of human trafficking?
3. What are the implications for human trafficking in Nigeria?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1. To ascertain the major causes of human trafficking in Nigeria.
2. To discover the roles of NAPTIP in curbing the menace of human trafficking in Nigeria.
3. To ascertain the implications for human trafficking in Nigeria.

 

1.5 Significance of the Study

This research work has both theoretical and practical significance. There are listed below as follows;