Human trafficking is a criminal offence that involves the recruiting, harboring, obtaining, transportation of a person by use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjecting them to involuntary acts, such as those related to commercial sexual exploitation (including prostitution) or involuntary labour.

In Nigeria such acts are not unknown and have in fact become very common in certain parts of the country, it was estimated that more than 45,000 Nigerians are transported to Europe every year and forced to work in brothels. Therefore the Federal Government of Nigeria has put in place various operations to fight these unholy acts. It has joined the international mission to fight human trafficking. For instance a pact has been made with the British Government to fight human trafficking with the main aim of protecting victims and prosecuting traffickers.

A law has been signed by President Olusegun Obasanjo, stating that any person who procures a girl or woman ... to become a common prostitute either in Nigeria or elsewhere is liable to life imprisonment and that a fine of N100,000.00 will be charged Nigerian convicted for human trafficking.

In 2003 an organization NAPTIP (National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons) was created and has so far reunited various victims with their families.

Another organization is Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) founded by Mrs. Titi Abubakar, wife of Nigeria's Vice President which has been able to collate all laws in Nigeria concerning human trafficking and ensuring they are enacted.

There are several of such organizations in Nigeria as the social, economic and political implications can not be overstated. These crimes rub us of our young women and children and more importantly they rub us of our pride.

For more information visit:
National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP)
Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF)