Human Trafficking and Interface of Slavery In The 21st Century in Nigeria

Abstract

Trafficking in human beings is modern-day slavery and has become a widespread phenomenon mostly in Africa. Two hundred years after the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the trafficking of African children continues unabated. Human trafficking has become a heinous transnational crime undertaken by highly organized syndicates. The syndicates employ deceit, coercion and prey on vulnerable girls whom they traffic overseas for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation. Human trafficking is inherently demeaning, harmful and violates fundamental human rights to life, liberty, dignity and freedom from discrimination. This work therefore, examines all forms of human trafficking in Nigeria, revealing the operations of the trafficking business and the nature of the traffickers themselves. Using a historical and comparative perspective between human trafficking and slavery, it then demonstrates that there is great correspondence that exists between the two phenomenons. Necessary recommendations were also given to eradicate human trafficking and other related transnational crimes in Nigeria.

Keywords: Human Trafficking, Child Labour, Slavery, Nigeria.