The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the increasing cases of human trafficking across Nigeria, directing three of its committees to examine trafficking networks and evaluate existing efforts to tackle the crime.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep. Dominic Okafor, titled, “Need to Investigate the Alarming Increase in Human Trafficking in Nigeria”, during Wednesday’s plenary.
The lawmakers raised concerns over the growing threat of trafficking, particularly its impact on women, children and other vulnerable members of society.
They described the practice as a serious violation of human rights, involving the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of individuals through force, deception, coercion, abuse of vulnerability or other unlawful means for exploitation.
According to the House, victims are exposed to various forms of abuse, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, forced begging and organ harvesting.
The lawmakers identified poverty, unemployment, insecurity, displacement, irregular migration and organised criminal activities as major factors increasing Nigerians’ susceptibility to trafficking.
They noted that traffickers often deceive victims with promises of lucrative jobs, educational opportunities, marriage and better prospects abroad before subjecting them to exploitation, physical violence and psychological trauma, which sometimes results in death.
The House further observed that trafficking operations frequently extend across state and international boundaries, with criminal groups taking advantage of poorly monitored borders, limited public awareness, inadequate inter-agency cooperation and challenges in prosecuting offenders.
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Although the lawmakers acknowledged the contributions of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant agencies, they called for increased funding, improved intelligence-sharing and stronger institutional capacity to combat the crime.
They also emphasised the need to expand support services for survivors, while recalling the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and other laws designed to prevent trafficking, punish offenders and protect victims.
As part of the resolutions, the House urged the Federal Government to strengthen the implementation of existing anti-trafficking laws, intensify intelligence-driven investigations and ensure the prosecution of perpetrators and their accomplices.
It also called for better mechanisms to identify and rescue victims, alongside improved rehabilitation, psychosocial care, legal support and reintegration services, especially for women, children and other at-risk groups.
The lawmakers urged the government to tackle the economic and social conditions that make Nigerians vulnerable to trafficking, including poverty, unemployment, inadequate educational opportunities and the exploitation of displaced persons.
NAPTIP and other security agencies were also asked to improve surveillance, intelligence exchange and joint operations targeting trafficking groups, particularly those operating across state and national borders.
The House further called on the Federal Ministry of Education, relevant state ministries, local government authorities, civil society groups and community leaders to step up public awareness campaigns on trafficking methods, fraudulent recruitment offers and the risks associated with irregular migration.
To ensure the implementation of its resolutions, the House mandated its Committees on Human Rights, Interior and Police Affairs to investigate the extent and trends of human trafficking in the country, scrutinise the operations of trafficking syndicates and determine whether current enforcement strategies were adequate.
The committees are expected to examine the difficulties faced by agencies responsible for tackling trafficking and submit their findings to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.