Trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants are two related yet distinct crimes as defined in the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols on trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling. Trafficking in persons is the acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud, or deception, to exploit them, while smuggling of migrants involves the procurement for financial or other material benefits of illegal entry of a person into a State of which that person is not a national or resident.
These complex crimes remain topics of concern in Nigeria as it is a source, destination and transit country. Young women and girls are particularly vulnerable as they are trafficked to other African countries, Europe, or the Middle East where they are forced into sex work.
Our work
To tackle the different aspects of these complex crimes, the UNODC Country Office for Nigeria supports cuts across the 4 P's approach, namely Policy, Prosecution, Prevention, and Protection. Therefore, our work covers a wide range of actions with partnership at the center of our support. We deliver technical assistance by supporting legislative reforms, organizing training and developing tools to support the investigatory and prosecutorial functions of law enforcement agencies. We also work with our partners to raise awareness of these crimes through targeted campaigns and ensure victims are effectively protected, reintegrated and empowered. In line with its Strategic Vision, UNODC continues to support the Government in implementing the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking with a specific focus on strengthening the criminal justice response to trafficking in persons, enhancing prevention; increasing international cooperation with transit and destination countries, and promoting research and analysis of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
Our partners
Over the years, UNODC Country Office in Nigeria has built a strong partnership with key national stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMoJ), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Network of Civil Society organization against Child trafficking, abuse and labour as well as with other UN agencies and international development partners in key areas in Nigeria.
Our projects
