Stakeholders ask FG to tackle poverty, curb menace of human trafficking

A cross section of stakeholders wants the federal government to address poverty as a way to curb the growing spate of human trafficking in Nigeria.

These and many more formed the basis of discussions at a forum held in Ibadan.

The illegal trade of people for exploitation has been a grave concern, leaving an alarming and devastating impact on national development.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons reported that women and children are the most vulnerable targets, being subjected to sexual exploitation, forced labor, and domestic servitude.

Thirty-eight-year-old Abimbola Ademola (not her real name) shares her account of being offered employment prospects in Lebanon, which ultimately led to her exploitation.

She disclosed how luck worked for her, resulting in her eventual rescue from the clutches of her enslavers.

At this awareness programme organized by the Justice Development and Peace Commission, stakeholders emphasized the importance of fostering effective collaboration to facilitate victim’s rescue, prosecution of traffickers, and create awareness on the dangers of human trafficking.

In 2021, the Global Slavery Index estimated that over 1.3 million people in Nigeria were living in modern slavery, which includes victims of human trafficking. And the reason is not far fetched- poverty.

Organisers of the event believe that through continuous awareness, and supporting organizations like NAPTIP, the vulnerable will be protected, traffickers will be prosecuted, and the crime eradicated from Nigeria.