DYNAMICS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Human trafficking, particularly involving children and women for forced labour and sexual exploitation, remains a pressing global issue. Despite international efforts, including the United Nations' Global Program Against Trafficking in Human Beings (GPAT) and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, an estimated 40.3 million people worldwide remain trapped in modern slavery, generating $150 billion annually. Sub-Saharan Africa, especially West Africa, is severely impacted, with Nigeria being the largest source of trafficked victims. Annually, about 100,000 Nigerians are trafficked for sexual and labour exploitation, often across borders, with the Nigerian and Benin Republic borders serving as hotspots for such activities. This study investigates the root causes and trends of human trafficking along this border, focusing on Oyo State, which shares three recognized international borders with the Republic of Benin. Using snowball and purposive sampling techniques, interviews were conducted with immigration officers, alongside thematic analysis of secondary data from immigration reports and published articles. The findings highlight the role of conflict theory in understanding trafficking, with factors such as border corruption, economic mismanagement, political instability, unemployment, poverty, porous borders, and weak rule of- law enforcement contributing to the problem. The study underscores gaps in existing policies and calls for coordinated efforts from government authorities, civil society, and international partners to effectively combat modern slavery in Nigeria and Africa