Human Trafficking and International Legal Obligations: An Assessment of Nigeria’s Anti-Trafficking Framework

This study assesses Nigeria's anti-trafficking legal framework against its international obligations under the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (Palermo Protocol) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. Nigeria is identified by international bodies as both a source and transit country for human trafficking, with victims predominantly women and children from the South South and South East geopolitical zones destined for Europe and the Middle East. Drawing on a descriptive legal methodology, the research analyses the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) of 2015 and evaluates the operational capacity of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). It examines the adequacy of Nigeria's prosecution, protection, and prevention measures as required by the Palermo Protocol, and identifies gaps in victim identification, shelter provision, and cross-border cooperation. The paper also considers recent UNODC reports on trafficking trends in Nigeria and interrogates the effectiveness of reintegration programmes for survivors, particularly in Edo and Delta States. Findings indicate that while legal provisions are broadly compliant with international standards, enforcement capacity is constrained by inadequate funding, corruption, and limited judicial expertise in trafficking cases. Recommendations include increased budgetary allocations to NAPTIP, specialised training for prosecutors and judges, and stronger bilateral agreements with destination countries. Keywords: human trafficking, Palermo Protocol, NAPTIP, Nigeria, victim protection.