Human trafficking: Migration experts weigh Nigerian Govt’s recent efforts
Over the years, Nigeria has been embroiled in the battle against trafficking in human persons- a fight that has led to the establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Human Persons (NAPTIP) to help combat the scourge.
But, trafficking in persons has remained a national embarrassment, as the barons kept inventing new strategies to keep them afloat in the business and escape the long arm of the law.
A 2022 migration report noted that an estimated 750,000 to one million people are trafficked yearly in Nigeria. The report equally stated that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, and largest economy in the African continent, remains a major human trafficking source, transit and destination country.
The establishment of the NAPTIP in 2003 by the Federal Government was in response to the growing trend then. The agency was meant to develop and coordinate a national strategy to combat trafficking in persons. Regrettably, however, the Agency’s efforts at tackling the scourge, though commendable, have not been able to stem the tide as expected.
But, the government is not giving up on the fight as it has also continued to explore different avenues to ensure that the scourge became a thing of the past in the country’s body politic.
Recently, the reports of the maltreatment that Nigerians were subjected to in Libya, Niger and Chad drew the ire and condemnation of the Federal Government, especially as reports established that those Nigerians were victims of human trafficking.
However, in a move considered as strategic and tactical in the ongoing war against human trafficking, Nigeria has struck a partnership deal with France and Italy to strengthen the fight against human trafficking and other related crimes in Nigeria, and perhaps, within its borders
To achieve the goal, a Common Operational Partnership (COP) for the France-Italy-Nigeria project was signed in Abuja, recently, where the three countries earmarked €1.43 million to prosecute the joint operation against human trafficking. The operation which will run until June 2027 was co-funded by the European Union, EU.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in his address, said the project aims to achieve two objectives. First is to enhance the capacity of the officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to dismantle trafficking and smuggling networks, while protecting victims, and secondly, to strengthen regional and international cooperation against these crimes.
He explained that its methodology was practical and results-driven.
“It starts with a comprehensive needs assessment, followed by tailored training, equipment provision and daily mentoring. This approach builds trust and ensures sustainable impact.
“The European Commission’s Internal Strategy known as ProtectEU, also announced a new EU strategy on combating trafficking in human beings in 2026, with concrete actions to take into account the new trends and challenges. However, cooperation with countries of origin and transit of victims and traffickers will continue to be part of the new strategy,” he said.
French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, also said the partnership reflects strong commitment and shared conviction that human dignity knows no borders, and that combating human trafficking is not just a necessity, but a moral duty for all nations.
He maintained that human trafficking remains a silent but devastating scourge that destroys lives, tears families apart, and undermines the very foundations of societies’ existence, while its victims who are often women and children are exploited, abused, and deprived of their freedom.
The French Ambassador further noted that behind the human tragedies lie powerful, well-organised criminal networks, transnational, but also regional thriving on poverty, instability, and inequality. Hence, faced with such a global threat, no country can act alone.
