Nigeria a Major Source of Human Trafficking in Africa – Minister

Speaking at the 2025 annual academic summit organized by the University of Abuja Faculty of Social Sciences, she highlighted poverty, economic hardship, lack of education, and weak law enforcement as key factors driving illegal migration and human trafficking.

“Nigeria is a major source, transit, and destination for human trafficking in Africa. According to the Global Slavery Index (2023), the country ranks among the top 10 globally with the highest number of trafficked persons,” she stated.

She revealed that an estimated 1.4 million Nigerians are victims of modern slavery, with women and girls making up the majority.

Over 60% of Nigerians attempting irregular migration are women and girls, many of whom are trafficked for forced labour or sexual exploitation.

Reports indicate that over 50,000 Nigerian women are trapped in forced prostitution across Europe, especially in Italy and Spain.

She called for improved access to education, stressing that it is the most powerful tool to break the cycle of trafficking.

“Quality and functional university education must go beyond theory. It must be practical, relevant, and empowering to equip young girls with knowledge and skills,” she emphasized.

The minister urged universities to integrate human trafficking awareness into their curricula. She also called on students, religious leaders, and civil society organizations to champion advocacy efforts.

She reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening legal frameworks and enhancing protection laws for women and children.

“The fight against illegal migration and girl-child trafficking is a fight for the soul of our nation. If we fail to act, we risk losing an entire generation to exploitation and despair,” she warned.