By: Chiamaka Mogo
Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at IIDN!
Nigerian women play immeasurable roles in boosting governance, commerce, food security, peace and cultural preservation. We encourage all Nigerians to strive to Embrace Equity for the safe and free participation of women in all political and socio-economic aspects of our nation.
By: Chiamaka Mogo and Maryam Amodu
““Trafficking in persons” shall mean the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery…”. — United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (2000)
Background
A quick search on trafficking within Africa highlights cases of female, Nigerian victims of this crime. Further analysis of data, explains why media coverage of trafficked Nigerian women and girls, seemingly stands out across the continent. For at least, over a decade, Nigerian females have been the targets of traffickers who have exploited them for domestic labour, sex work etc. This briefing note highlights the socio-political factors that have contributed to the issue of trafficking of Nigerian women and girls. The paper also analyses systemic and cultural factors — such as, poverty and increasing societal pressures — that seem to catalyse trafficking in Nigeria. Some recommendations for tackling trafficking within the Nigerian context are included in this briefing note.
Analysing statistics on trafficking in Nigeria
While Nigerians of different genders are affected by trafficking, females are by far, the main targets of traffickers. According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), 60-80% of women in the European sex trade are Nigerian (NAPTIP, not dated, p. 12). The gender inequality gap in Nigeria is evident from cultural norms to religious practices to socio-economic outcomes. In Nigeria. more women than men are of low literacy, with more boys in school than girls (Human Rights Watch, 2019). Gender-based violence against women, inequity and governance issues have strong roles to play in the high rates of trafficking of Nigerian females. According to NAPTIP, 70% of persons trafficked in Nigeria’s Southern region are women and girls (NAPTIP, 2019, p. 22). Thus, highlighting that women and girls are at more risk of being exploited by traffickers.
In 2017, the Nigerian government claimed that about 17 million citizens resided abroad (Fidelis, 2017). Although this statistic is difficult to validate, what is clear, is that the number has increased over time as many Nigerians emigrate to seek better opportunities. A large number of them are women trafficked for sex work. The 2019 trafficking in persons report on Nigeria by the United States government states that 80% of Nigerian migrants in Italy are women who are present victims of trafficking or at risk of becoming victims of trafficking for sex work (United States Department of State, 2019)
From within Nigeria to the Middle East to Europe and across Africa, many vulnerable Nigerian women and girls have been exploited by traffickers. The most popular trafficking destinations outside of Africa are in Europe and many victims end up in Italy. The journey to Italy could involve transits through various African nations, beginning with countries in Northern Africa such as Libya and Morocco (Carling, 2006, p. 34). In Nigeria, a disproportionate amount of trafficked women hail from specific regions; one of such is Edo state, where there is a long history of sex trafficking of women who typically are forced into spiritual covenant agreements with Madams. These agreements often mean that the Madams sponsor the travel arrangements and accommodation of the trafficked persons, while the latter pay off their debt through sex work. These debts are usually large amounts of money, often meaning that the women would be restricted to being in their Madams’ employ for many years, until they can earn their freedom. The women usually have no idea when the amount of debt they owe has been inflated or how long it might take to pay back their sponsor, if they are not familiar with the foreign currency (Carling, 2006, p. 28). The Human Rights Watch has referred to this as “debt bondage” (Human Rights Watch, 2019). Trafficking clearly renders deep damage to victims.
Although Edo state has a history of women emigrating to Europe, particularly to Italy, it was not initially for sex work or because of trafficking. They were among the first Nigerian women to go to Europe willingly on business trips and resorted to sex work, upon being compromised (Braimah, 2013, p. 12). The need for better economic welfare has been a solid factor influencing the development of trafficking in Edo state and other parts of Nigeria. Not only does poverty influence the decision to believe the trafficker’s offer is beneficial, it also changes the narrative of sex trafficking from dangerous and criminal into a promising opportunity. Over 80% of women trafficked to Italy have been found to be from Edo state (Carling, 2006, p. 25). An alarming figure. The poverty rate of Edo state is lower than that of 75% of Nigerian states (Braimah, 2013, p.11). Hence, indicating wide inequity gaps in Nigeria and the need for governance that creates an enabling environment for women and girls to thrive, free from exploitation and violence.
Other states in Nigeria are not exempt from the trafficking endemic. The United Nations Educational and Scientific Cultural Organization/UNESCO (2006) published a policy paper that explains various forms of trafficking. The report cites Abia, Ebonyi and Lagos states as being locations where baby harvesting is on the rise. Sometimes disguised as orphanages, trafficked women are forced to have sex and sell their babies to couples who would pay up to “N500,000 (about US $3875)” (UNESCO, 2006, p. 31). In some Northern Nigerian states such as Kaduna and Kano, organized begging is a reason for trafficking and often victims are disabled and forced to beg for money on the busy city streets. They are usually not beneficiaries of the money they make (UNESCO, 2006, p. 31). Other instances include the trafficking of women and girls for forced early marriages within and outside of Nigeria. The report by Human Rights Watch cites the political insurgency due to Boko Haram as a key element to this particular type of trafficking in that region (Human Rights Watch, 2019). Many abducted girls end up becoming wives to insurgents (United States Department of State, 2019). The national and sub-national governments of Nigeria have to work together, to the end trafficking of women and girls within and outside of Nigeria.
Action is being taken to fast track the intervention of sub-national governments and traditional rulers, in this matter. NAPTIP’s collaborations with sub-national governments, as well as, other relevant stakeholders in Nigeria have led to the creation of, “Task Forces on Human Trafficking” in a few states (UNODC Nigeria, 2019). Buy-in from political leaders is key in leading actions and emergency responses to the menace of trafficking of Nigerian females. It is vital that all states in Nigeria have such a Task Force and keep the body active to the cause for which it was set-up. Traditional rulers are also key to solving societal issues such as trafficking. The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who is the monarch of one of Africa’s most revered ancient kingdoms has been responsive on this particular matter. In the year 2018, he assembled a delegation of traditional priests and dissuaded them against being used by Madams to intimidate potential victims of trafficking (Ebegbulem, 2018). Such a move ties into the customary and historical roles of traditional leaders across Nigeria — to convene for peace, equity and progress.
The statistics show that more work is needed
The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the risk factors for victims of trafficking. Point of entry lockdowns and restrictions make it difficult for victims to return back to Nigeria (TIME, 2020). The pandemic has widened the limits of reach for institutions that typically assist victims of trafficking in returning back to Nigeria safely (TIME, 2020). A cut-off from or lack of access to such resources will lead to dismal affects for victims, who are typically females.
It is time for governments across Nigeria to accelerate actions against trafficking of Nigerian women and girls.
Recommendations
The following are directed to the federal government of Nigeria, the sub-regional governments and their ministries, departments and agencies that are relevant to this matter:
Provide training programs — on identifying acts of trafficking and protecting victims — to immigration and border officials at points of entry across Nigeria.
Engage traditional leaders in efforts to sensitise community members against participating in trafficking of persons.
Invest adequate funding in shelters that cater to the needs of women and girls that are victims of trafficking and/or at risk of being trafficked.
Create laws, as well as, programs that foster equal opportunities for women and men to thrive financially.
Mobilise funds to enable sustainable reintegration for returnees who were trafficked.
Display posters that have anti-trafficking help lines and locations, at major travel routes and points of entry across Nigeria.
Collaborate with (local) civil society organizations, as well as, international organizations to curb the alarming rates of trafficking of Nigerian women and girls.
References
Braimah, T. (2013). Sex Trafficking in Edo State: Causes and Solutions. Global Journal Of Human Social Science, 13(3), pp. 17 - 29.
Carling, J. (2006). Migration, human smuggling, and trafficking from Nigeria to Europe, pp. 8 - 34. Geneva: International Organization for Migration.
Ebegbulem, S. (2018). "Our gods will destroy you”; Oba of Benin curse human traffickers. Vanguard. Retrieved from: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/gods-will-destroy-oba-benin-curse-human-traffickers/
Fidelis, M. (2017). 17 million Nigerians living abroad, says government. The Guardian Nigeria. Retrieved from: https://guardian.ng/news/17-million-nigerians-living-abroad-says-government/
Human Rights Watch (2019). “You Pray for Death”. Trafficking of Women and Girls in Nigeria. Retrieved from: https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/08/27/you-pray-death/trafficking-women-and-girls-nigeria
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) (Not dated). Fact Sheet 6, pp. 12 - 13. Retrieved from: https://www.naptip.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Fact-Sheet-1.pdf
NAPTIP (2019). Nigeria Country Report on Human Trafficking, pp. 11 - 30. Retrieved from: https://www.naptip.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Nigeria-Country-Report-on-Human-Trafficking2.pdf
TIME (2020). COVID-19 Lockdowns Left Nigerian Trafficking Survivors Stranded. Now They're Looking for a Way Home. Retrieved from: https://time.com/5864964/nigeria-trafficking-survivors-coronavirus/?utm_source=IOM+External+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=1beaa83c1b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_07_23_03_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9968056566-1beaa83c1b-
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (2006). Human trafficking in Nigeria: root causes and recommendations, pp. 1 - 66. Paris: UNESCO. Retrieved from: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000147844
United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. (2000). Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Retrieved from: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/ProtocolTraffickingInPersons.aspx
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Nigeria (2019). Nigeria heeds global call, sets up State Task Force against human trafficking. Retrieved from: https://www.unodc.org/nigeria/en/nigeria-heeds-global-call--sets-up-state-task-force-against-human-trafficking.html
United States Department of State (2019). 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report: Nigeria. Retrieved from: https://www.state.gov/reports/2019-trafficking-in-persons-report-2/nigeria/
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN) is a Nigeria-registered NGO that promotes sustainable good governance practices and measures in Nigeria through our educational, capacity-building and awareness-raising efforts.
Recently, reports on several incidents of gender-based violence against Nigerian women and girls have emerged through media channels. These stories range from rape, police brutality to spousal abuse. The IIDN team is appalled by such horrendous acts of inhumanity.
An all-of-society approach is needed to ensure that Nigerian women and girls live free from violence. Justice has to prevail for victims. We urge law enforcement agencies to ensure that there be no interference to justice. As traditional leaders, political leaders, faith leaders, advocates, business people, teachers, students, civil servants, youths, parents and members of the Nigerian public - let us stand up against all forms of gender-based violence. How? Below are a few tips:
Reject statements that make gender-based violence seem like a joke
Be a responsible bystander - report incidents of gender-based violence
Believe victims
Listen to victims
Educate your employees, colleagues and peers against different forms of gender-based violence
Create and implement appropriate policies to tackle gender-based violence
Promote gender equality in Nigeria
IIDN stands in solidarity and compassion with victims and their families. We will continue to use our platform to advocate for justice and for a Nigeria where mutual respect, equity and safety thrive.
Signed,
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN)
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN) strongly condemns the xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals, in South Africa. The constant occurrence of xenophobic attacks in South Africa is truly disappointing. Several lives have been lost and livelihoods destroyed. There can be no justification for such actions and it is important that the South African authorities hold those responsible, to account.
The South African and Nigerian governments need to work together and expeditiously, to find lasting solutions to these crises.
IIDN has some recommendations which will be outlined below:
The government of South Africa has to mandate for all police units nationwide, training on recognizing and responding appropriately to xenophobia.
The South African government needs to discuss redress measures with individuals, families and business owners that have been affected in past and recent attacks.
The Nigerian government has to promptly organize and fund, assisted voluntary return services to citizens, who as a result of the attacks, wish to be back in Nigeria.
Reintegration services should also be arranged by the federal government, in collaboration with humanitarian organizations across Nigeria.
Xenophobia should have no place in Africa. We hope that the above recommendations will be implemented, in conjunction, with any other important measures that have to be taken to stop and prevent re-occurrence of the current issues in South Africa.
IIDN is committed to good governance and inclusion. We will continue to do our part, in speaking out against violence and injustice.
Signed,
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria
In a few days time, Nigerians will begin voting for leaders that will represent the people for the next four years. The Board of the Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN) congratulates all Nigerians on this opportunity to express choice, freedom of conviction and hope. We congratulate all who have put their names forward as candidates. We urge all candidates as well as, all security and elections-monitoring staff to avoid engaging in actions that counter the objective of free and fair elections.
Nigeria is a nation of several tribes, languages, natural resources and many more. Good governance is key to actualizing the benefits of a nation that is so naturally gifted.
Individual statements by Board members:
Timmy Guo (Development Officer of the Board):
Governance means ensuring that things are done properly and that they are done right. One key component to good governance is good oversight in decision-making, for the benefit of the masses. To achieve good governance, there needs to be transparency, group decision-making and accountability.
Chiamaka Mogo (President of the Board):
Good governance means that governments — national and state-level — are upholding the rule of law, prioritizing human rights, ensuring the safety of the citizenry and enacting policies that will lead to fair and sustainable socio-economic outcomes for all.
Ellen Edet (Public Relations Officer of the Board):
Good governance means being supported by the country that you belong to. The government should prioritize the best interests of the citizens over things that are not relevant. Good governance is elected officials putting our best interests over corruption. If we as citizens are doing well, the whole country is doing well.
Signed,
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN) is deeply saddened by the execution of Hauwa Mohammed Liman, by the Boko Haram terrorist group. Words truly fail us at this tragedy. Hauwa was a dedicated humanitarian and healthcare worker in Rann, Borno state. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, colleagues and all who join in mourning this devastating loss.
Humanitarian workers have continued to be targets of Boko Haram. This is unacceptable. IIDN strongly appeals to the Borno state government and to the federal government of Nigeria, to prioritize safety for the people of Borno. No Nigerian and no humanitarian worker in Nigeria deserves to live a life in fear of senseless attacks.
IIDN remembers Hauwa Mohammed Liman and we wish support and healing, to all who mourn this tragic loss.
Signed,
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria
The Board of the Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN) is united in its condemnation, of the ongoing “slave” trade markets in Libya. We are devastated to see that such a crisis is still existing. This is sadly, yet another time to remind the world, that every human being is born with an inherent right to freedom and justice. The sellers and buyers of vulnerable Black, African migrants have caused us at IIDN, feelings of disappointment and pain. Many of these vulnerable migrants now being used as slaves are Nigerians.
The intervention of the governments of the home countries, of these migrants is an urgent necessity. We also acknowledge that these migrants fleeing home were looking for a better life. They were looking for a new home that seemed to hold a promise of being better, than their own home, where governance failed. As such, we urge the countries from which these migrants hail, to look inwards and build a nation, where everyone has a very fair chance at succeeding.
Individual Statements of IIDN’s Board Members:
“Even though we have challenged slavery and oppression for years, this is still happening. It is a result of poor governance, that people are willing to risk their lives at sea and to slavery. It is a reflection of poor governance. We have to do a lot of work, ourselves, as citizens of Africa.”
May-Marie Duwai-Sowa (Vice President of the Board)
“It is heartbreaking and saddening. There is a whole life to this person that you put a cost of $400 to. Why couldn’t it be that - “These people are trying to have a better life, let’s help them to have a better life?”. To think that it is a better option to sell a person and thinking that you can put a value on someone’s life, breaks my heart.”
Ellen Edet, (Public Relations Officer of the Board)
“It is just disappointing to see that it (slavery) is still going on and that people who are trying to get a better life are being taken advantage of. It is super sad and it is crazy to see that the perpetrators are willing to sell people, to make money and take advantage of these people that are trying to improve their lives, and making money out of that. Even more shocking is the people who buy the “slaves”. That’s the crazier thing.”
Timmy Guo (Development Officer of the Board)
“The issue of migrant slave markets in Libya is deeply disturbing. When a fellow human being stretches out a hand to one, you should in turn offer a hand, to help and not to manipulate and dehumanize that person. I urge the leaders of the African nations of which the migrants originate, to do everything within their capacity, to have these migrants liberated and returned home. Genuine and swift action is what is needed, at this time.”
Chiamaka Mogo (President of the Board)
Signed,
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria
Date: September 1st, 2017
Subject: Expeditious Investigation into the Events of the Eke Ukwu market (Imo State) Demolition is Required
Last week Saturday, the renowned Eke Ukwu market of Imo State was demolished, based on an order issued by the State government. This action has led to anger, complaints and also the use of force by those in uniform, against protesting citizens.
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue (IIDN) condemns to the fullest, this fatal abuse of power and office by these armed officials whose mandate is to protect the lives and rights of the public. IIDN is threading the path of other concerned groups and citizens in calling for an expeditious investigation by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). We request and urge that the investigation cover broad grounds, especially the following:
- whether or not traders were given fair consultations and notice before the demolition
- an investigation in line with the police and army forces of Imo State, in order to hold to account, all involved in the shootings that claimed lives, including that of a 10-year old boy - Somtochukwu Ibeanusi.
Nigeria is a society of laws which were implemented to guard human rights. It is vile and unacceptable for our government leaders and security agencies to execute unlawfulness. When you treat human lives and rights as though they are negotiable, you create a scarred society. A scarred society breads failure in its different forms, it breeds division.
IIDN sends its sincere empathy to all those who are mourning a form of loss, due to the events hat ensued from the demolition of the Eke Ukwu market in Imo State. We again, urge the NHRC to act swiftly and justly on this matter.
Signed,
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria
Please note: This statement was originally posted on IIDN's website on September 1st, 2017. It is now being reposted, due to technical changes to our website.
