Trafficking in Persons and Nigeria’s External Image Crisis (1990—2020)

Abstract

Trafficking in persons (TIPs) is a global social problem because every country is directly or indirectly affected. As a result of this ugly trend, several international, regional, and national treaties and conventions have been adopted to end trafficking in persons. However, Nigeria has been identified as a major source, transit, and destination country for trafficking in persons. This paper examines the causes and implications of trafficking in persons on Nigeria’s external image crisis (1990—2020). The study adopts system theory as its theoretical framework; the secondary source was the method of data collection adopted. The study found out that unless the problem of poverty, unemployment, ethnic conflict, bad governance, weak legislation, inter-state conflict, etc. is addressed by countries, it would be difficult, if not impossible to end trafficking in persons globally. Based on the findings, the paper recommends that the federal government should empower particularly Nigerian youths and women to reduce their vulnerabilities, build capacities for self-employment and development, and protect and rehabilitate the identity of victims. The government should also make sufficient budgetary allocation to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) which is involved in apprehending human traffickers.