The government modestly increased efforts to prevent human trafficking. NAPTIP continued to lead the federal government’s efforts to combat trafficking, and it convened monthly interagency meetings and quarterly meetings with international partners. However, observers reported NAPTIP lacked sufficient resources to fully execute its broad mandate. The government continued implementing its NAP for 2022-2026, and it allocated 47.8 million naira ($52,530) for prevention activities, including the NAP’s implementation. This compared with allocating 172.9 million naira ($190,000) for prevention activities the previous year. Anti-trafficking task forces in 21 states coordinated local anti-trafficking efforts in collaboration with NATPTIP. The government ran a national, 24-hour trafficking-specific hotline and it received more than 200 calls related to trafficking; the government did not report how potential many victims, if any, it identified as a result of hotline calls.
NAPTIP continued conducting national and state-level awareness raising campaigns, including radio and social media campaigns. NAPTIP continued a monthly social media program to discuss trafficking topics with targeted audiences, produced an anti-trafficking television program, and held awareness raising activities in coordination with NGOs. Awareness campaigns were conducted in all three major Nigerian languages and used print, electronic, and social media. Some policy documents were available in braille. The government had all campaign materials reviewed by trafficking experts, including survivors, and campaign content was community-dependent. Stakeholders noted a need for additional awareness-raising in rural areas most commonly targeted by traffickers. The government provided anti-trafficking training to foreign diplomats in Nigeria on trafficking issues. NAPTIP Sokoto state zonal command conducted awareness activities on child forced begging and protection of Almajiri children. The government did not regulate Quranic schools to prevent child forced begging or abuse.
The Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOL) provided specialized training on child labor and human trafficking to all labor inspectors, and it had dedicated child labor and trafficking units; inspectors referred potential trafficking cases to NAPTIP. The MOL conducted 17,068 labor inspections, found 453 violations of child labor laws, and removed 46 children from potential trafficking situations. This compared with removing 475 children from potential trafficking situations during the previous reporting period. The government referred 14 of the 46 children to social services. The government extended labor inspectors’ authority to the informal sector, where most forced labor cases occurred. Observers reported a need for additional training for inspectors on providing trauma-informed, victim support. The MOL collaborated with the NIS to increase access to identity documentation for foreign workers. The government regulated private employment agencies and had a licensing requirement for labor recruiters, including sports recruiters. However, both informal and registered recruitment agents continued fraudulently recruiting and exploiting victims; despite reporting that such practices remained prevalent, officials did not report initiating any investigations into fraudulent recruitment or revoking any licenses for exploitative recruitment practices. The government did not prohibit worker-paid recruitment fees. The government made some efforts to reduce the demand for commercial sex through public campaigns. The government did not provide anti-trafficking training to its troops prior to their deployment as peacekeepers.
from 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report – U.S. Department of State
2024 Trafficking in Persons Report – United States Department of State
