Examining Nigeria's Existing Domestic And International Legal Framework For Combating Trafficking In Children (TIC)

This thesis provides an understanding of the prevalence of trafficking in Nigeria and examines how Nigeria's existing legal framework on trafficking in children (TIC) can be improved. Apart from its domestic laws such as the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act (2015), Nigeria is a signatory to international instruments such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the associated Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, all of which aim at combating the trafficking in persons. Adopting doctrinal and critical analysis research method, this thesis assesses the effectiveness of existing domestic and international laws in addressing the TIC problem in Nigeria. It draws on existing literature, and international and national reports, particularly reports from the Nigerian National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to problematize the issue and fashion a way forward. NAPTIP is the designated agency for combating trafficking in persons in Nigeria, making it a leading authority on the subject. Thus, this thesis in contributing to knowledge accessed NAPTIP reports ranging from 2011 to 2020 and TIC case law not publicly available to understand the TIC problem in Nigeria and justify an innovative approach to the issue.

The overarching argument in this thesis is that constitutional reforms and legislative action is required to improve the existing legal framework for combating TIC in Nigeria. Other strategies like strong political will, sensitisation, education, and capacity building for victims and law enforcement agents were also considered as means for improving the legal framework.