The federal government has expressed deep concern about the rising trend of human traffickers in Nigeria leveraging digital platforms to lure and exploit victims.
At the 27th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking held in Abuja on Wednesday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), underscored the urgency of addressing this growing problem. He described the phenomenon as a rapidly evolving, cross-border threat that demands immediate and proactive measures.
Fagbemi emphasized that Nigeria must respond swiftly and innovatively to this emerging challenge, particularly as traffickers have increasingly turned to the digital space to carry out their illicit activities. He pointed out that human trafficking is now ranked as the third most lucrative criminal enterprise worldwide, following drug and arms trafficking, further highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and action.
In light of this, the Attorney-General called for stronger legal frameworks, improved institutional mechanisms, and more advanced technological tools to combat trafficking. He also noted that the ongoing revision of Nigeria’s National Action Plan on human trafficking presents a critical opportunity to strengthen the country’s efforts to combat this heinous crime.
“Human trafficking has gone digital. If we do not act swiftly, we risk being outpaced by traffickers who now employ sophisticated online tools to recruit, control, and exploit victims. This is no longer just a local problem but a global one, requiring an equally global response,” Fagbemi remarked.
He further emphasized that human trafficking remains one of the most profitable and pervasive crimes worldwide. He reiterated that Nigeria must adapt to these new tactics, given that traffickers are increasingly exploiting digital tools for their operations.
“We are committed to working alongside the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other key partners to ensure that the legal and institutional frameworks designed to combat trafficking remain flexible, responsive, and effective,” Fagbemi added. “The fight against trafficking is not just about meeting targets or statistics; it is about preserving human dignity, ensuring freedom, delivering justice, and maintaining national integrity.”
The Attorney-General also called on the commissioners for Women Affairs across Nigeria’s 36 states to champion policies aimed at curbing human trafficking. He urged them to prioritize the allocation of budgets and support initiatives that address trafficking and exploitation, whether directly or indirectly.
In addition, Fagbemi proposed the creation of a dedicated budget line for state task forces focused on human trafficking, suggesting that this would formalize their operations and enhance their effectiveness in combating the issue at the state level.
