Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has called for urgent measures from all levels of government in Nigeria to combat human trafficking. Describing human trafficking as a form of modern slavery, Obi expressed concern over the high incidence of trafficking in Nigeria.
In a statement released on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Obi emphasized the need for a unified effort to eradicate human trafficking, violence against children, and the exploitation of women and girls.
Obi highlighted troubling statistics: The 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report by the U.S. Department of State categorized Nigeria as a Tier 2 country, indicating that while efforts to meet minimum standards are underway, full compliance has not yet been achieved. Additionally, the 2023 Global Slavery Index Report placed Nigeria 38th out of 160 countries with approximately 1.6 million people in conditions of slavery. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reported that 61% of trafficking cases in Nigeria are internal, while 39% involve cross-border trafficking.
The former governor of Anambra State urged the government to tackle underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate border security, which contribute to the trafficking problem. He also advocated for increased investment in education, healthcare, and anti-poverty measures, which he believes will improve citizens’ quality of life and awareness of their rights.
Obi stressed that addressing these fundamental issues will not only help in the fight against trafficking but also enhance overall human development and create better opportunities for Nigerians.
News Editor