Abstract

Traffcking in persons, with Nigeria serving as a country of origin, transit or destination, has persisted despite legal instruments against traffcking in persons in Nigeria and specifc judicial pronouncements. This is not wholly surprising in the face of prevailing poverty, high levels of unemployment and unworkable legal and institutional frameworks against traffcking in persons in Nigeria. The problem is exacerbated by meagre penalties meted out by the court which, produce little or no deterrence. This article posits that until various defciencies in anti-traffcking laws, judicial decisions and activities of institutions established to combat traffcking in persons are addressed and socio-economic problems are tackled, elimination of traffcking in persons in Nigeria will not be possible. The article recommends amongst others, the review of anti-traffcking laws, severe sentences, increased funding and training of offcials in institutions established to combat traffcking in persons, improved social and economic systems and involvement of all stakeholders in eliminating traffcking in persons in Nigeria.