Are We Still Slaves? Modern Slavery

 By Kefas Yohanna 

Modern slavery in Nigeria refers to the various forms of forced labor, including sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced begging, which have been prevalent in the country for decades. According to the Global Slavery Index 2018, Nigeria has the highest prevalence of modern slavery in Africa and the third-largest number of victims globally.

One of the main drivers of modern slavery in Nigeria is poverty, with many families living in extreme poverty and unable to afford basic necessities such as healthcare and education. The lack of economic opportunities has made many vulnerable to human traffickers, who lure them with promises of work and better lives in other countries.

Moreover, traditional practices such as debt bondage and forced labor are still prevalent in many parts of the country. Young girls are often forced into domestic servitude, while boys are made to work in hazardous conditions in industries like agriculture and mining.

The Nigerian Government has taken some measures to combat modern slavery, including the enactment of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement, Administration and Control Act, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), which investigates and prosecutes offenders. However, the implementation of these measures has been poor, and corruption remains widespread, with corrupt officials often cooperating with traffickers.

In conclusion, modern slavery remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, and concerted efforts are required to address the root causes of the problem and support victims. This includes ensuring access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as enforcing anti-trafficking laws and improving the capacity of law enforcement agencies to combat modern slavery.

References:

Global Slavery Index (2018). ‘Nigeria’, https://www.globalslaveryindex.org/2018/findings/country-profiles/nigeria/

ILO (2018). ‘Modern Slavery in Nigeria: Exploitation of vulnerable population’s tops agenda’, https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_640434/lang--en/index.htm

UNODC (2021). ‘Human Trafficking and Smuggling in Nigeria: A Spotlight on the Trends and Patterns’, https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/glotip/National_Studies/Pocketbook_Nigeria_2021_Web.pdf