The United Nations (UN) said yesterday that over one million Nigerians were victims of human trafficking and forms of contemporary slavery, including forced marriage.
The UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Maria Giammarinaro, who spoke at a media parley where she shared the manifestation of human trafficking and challenges in the country, said lack of availability of Nigeria’s wealthy GDP per capita and abundant resources to the common citizen was one of the factors that promoted migration, hence it increased the risk of trafficking.
She listed displacement, economic and gender inequality, toxic traditional beliefs and practices, poverty and unemployment as causes of human trafficking and the migration that led to it.
“Nigeria is also Africa’s largest oil producer and ranks sixth in the world, with 2.5 million of oil produced every day.
“Yet, as per the National Bureau of Statistics, 64 per cent of Nigerians live below the poverty line and trafficking in persons continues unabated.
“With the wealth and political leverage it has been generating, the government cannot be seen to leave its people behind.”
Giammarinaro urged the Federal Government and non-government organisations (NGOs) to develop strategies to combat trafficking and also implement and enforce the anti-trafficking laws already in place.
“Enslaved children have been forced to commit or participate in atrocities. The fate of the abducted girls by Boko Haram is still uncertain.
“The victims of human trafficking are in need of severe and rigorous counselling.
“I advise the government to redouble their efforts because what has been done is not enough.
“We suggest that the government should establish dedicated trust fund for the victims of human trafficking in order for them to start business with or gainful activity, and to fund the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons’ activities, counselling for the survivors, and establish real shelters.
“It is important that girls have the opportunities to explore other options than those traditionally mandated for women; in dressing, food and business opportunities.”