THE MENACE OF CHILD TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This research examines the menace of child trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. Child trafficking has proved to be a serious problem to the Nigerian nation and has evaded all attempts by government and even international organizations and partners to bring it to an end. The research discusses the causes and effects of child trafficking and abuse on children and the Nigerian society. It also examines the effectiveness of the legal framework available for combating child trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. The study shows that the emotional physical and psychological wellbeing of children who have become victims of any form of abuse and trafficking often times leads to psychological problems, poor academic achievement, sickness and sometimes death. It was shown that child trafficking and abuse affects basic and fundamental rights, and has a negative impact on the economy. It further reveals that child trafficking and abuse is caused by poverty, perversion of cultural traditions, lack of information, divorce and lack of attention to children, high profit and a weak enforcement of legal framework on child trafficking and abuse. It observes that the Federal Government has responded to promote the eradication of child trafficking and abuse from Nigerian society. However, the research identifies some problems militating against the effective enforcement of these laws which include porous border; law enforcement agencies/agents are insufficiently trained and equipped to respond adequately to the complex nature of child trafficking and abuse; victims are not adequately catered for, and traffickers and abusers are not adequately prosecuted. It therefore recommends that Nigeria should effectively implement all of the ratified international laws and regulations, in order to provide an environment conducive to the elimination of human trafficking in Nigeria. There is a need to set up more functional social support and child protection system as well as effective child fostering and adoptions in Nigeria.