Human Trafficking in Nigeria: Exploring the Law Enforcement Perspectives
Rosemary Ometere Obari | September 20 | 1:30-2:30 PM
Topic: International, Law Enforcement | Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced | Location: Room 3020
The war against human trafficking in Nigeria is a very challenging one. This is perhaps because the subject matter is itself is an intricate phenomenon. Several mechanisms such as Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act 2003 and the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo protocol) 2003, public awareness especially through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), have been put in place to fight against it. Nevertheless, the compliance rate is regrettably very low. The trend still continues unabated and new strategies are yet to be adopted. The enforcement of the anti-trafficking laws in Nigeria face a lot of obstacles as a result of corruption among law enforcement officials such as Nigerian immigration service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, etc., who collude with the traffickers and recruiters to facilitate smooth passage of the unsuspecting victims across the borders. In the light of the porosity in the law enforcement against trafficking, it is suggested that adequate and consistent re-orientation be given to the law enforcement officials on why they should shun corruption in this matter. This presentation further recommends that stringent punitive measures be defined and meted out to defaulters involved in the trafficking chain. The presentation concludes that the porosity in the current law enforcement system against human trafficking can be blocked by reviewing and strengthening the existing laws and by utilizing satellite technology for monitoring illegal movements especially of the victims of trafficking and the criminal involvement of security officials.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe the risk factors of human trafficking in Nigeria
· Discuss the law enforcement strategies employed to fight human trafficking
· Explain how the law enforcement agencies can help to abate the crime of human trafficking