New laws against widespread human trafficking in Nigeria

Nigeria has strengthened its laws against human trafficking, and in particular has now introduced sentences of up to 14 year for pimps who use underage prostitutes. Nigeria is a major destination country for women, children and men being trafficked into forced labour and forced prostitution. It is also a source and transit country for victims travelling onto Europe for further exploitation.
Carol Ndaguba, executive secretary of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP), said: “Human trafficking … has assumed dangerous dimensions that require urgent and drastic attention.”
A new fine has now been introduced for people using children as domestic servants. Although the fine is only $776, this will act as a deterrent in the context of the local economy.
NAPTIP also claimed that it has evidence that children from 22 of the 36 states in Nigeria have been trafficked, mainly into forced begging and street selling. This shows how widespread human trafficking is in the country and how urgent action is now required to enforce the new laws.