To commemorate the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, MAMA Centre has decried the escalation of human trafficking in Nigeria, describing it as an ‘Organised Crime,’ urging the Federal Government to intensify international and regional collaboration against the menace.
Making the call at weekend at a rally to mark the event was Mothers And Marginalised Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre) , a survivor-led non-governmental organisation urged governments to reinforce trafficking laws and coordinated action to dismantle transnational criminal networks.
Commenting on the 2025 theme, “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation,” the group specifically Mama Centre stressed on need to bolster intelligence sharing, and improve the reintegration of victims across borders.
The group stressed the urgent need for a victim-centred, cross-border strategy that disrupts the profit-driven machinery of traffickers.
It described human trafficking as a heinous affront to human rights, and reiterated its unwavering commitment to confronting this global scourge.
Driven by well-oiled organised criminal networks, human trafficking continues to thrive by targeting society’s most vulnerable, exploiting individuals for forced labour, sexual abuse, illegal adoption, forced criminality, and even organ harvesting. Nigeria remains both a source and destination country for trafficking, where the crisis remains alarmingly widespread.
Recent data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reveals that from 2017 to the first quarter of 2024, 4,877 Nigerian victims were voluntarily repatriated -with women and girls making up 87% of that total. The vast majority of these victims fall within the 18 to 39 age brackets, though a troubling number of minors are also caught in the web of exploitation.
These numbers raise uncomfortable questions: What becomes of the survivors after return? How effectively are they reintegrated into their communities? Are the Federal Government’s current interventions sufficient, or must broader, more sustainable measures be put in place?
Speaking on the occasion, Executive Director, MAMA Centre, Chioma B. Kanu issued a statement, declaring: “The 2025 theme rightly spotlights the intricate connection between human trafficking and organised crime.
"To truly end this exploitation, we must disrupt the business model of traffickers by strengthening law enforcement, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.”
She also acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian government through agencies such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Since its establishment in 2003, NAPTIP has rescued more than 25,000 victims and secured 755 convictions. The contributions of civil society organisations were also recognised.
However, the group warned that significant obstacles remain - including the evolving nature of trafficking operations, the use of digital technologies by syndicates, and victims’ reluctance to come forward, often due to fear or the binding effect of traditional oaths.
To address these gaps, MAMA Centre urged the strengthening of law enforcement and judicial systems by investing in specialised training for officers, prosecutors, and judges. The organisation emphasised that severe punitive measures are key to deterring future crimes.
It also renewed its call for enhanced regional and international cooperation to disrupt trafficking networks and support victims. This includes not only the safe return of survivors, but also the implementation of comprehensive reintegration support—such as legal aid, psychosocial counselling, vocational training, and shelter.
Furthermore, it stressed the importance of grassroots awareness campaigns, especially in vulnerable communities and among youth populations. According to the group, education on safe migration practices and the risks of fraudulent job recruitment is essential to stemming new cases.
On tackling the root causes of trafficking, the MAMA Centre highlighted poverty, inequality, unemployment, and conflict as fundamental drivers. Without addressing these systemic issues, it warned, trafficking will remain a persistent threat to dignity and justice.
Concluding, Kanu appealed, “Every person has a role to play in ending human trafficking. By working together - governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities - we can create a world where no one is bought, sold, or exploited. Let us recommit today to protecting the vulnerable, upholding human dignity, and advancing justice for all.”
