The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has expressed deep concern over the rampant issues of human trafficking and irregular migration that have become widespread across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. The agency is now calling for stronger collaboration with both state and federal bodies to combat these challenges, stressing the need for coordinated efforts in addressing trafficking and migration violations.
Ganiu Aganran, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP in Benin, outlined the agency’s strategic approach to tackling these issues. He highlighted that NAPTIP employs a comprehensive strategy based on five core approaches: policy, partnership, protection, prosecution, and prevention.
During a courtesy visit from the Edo State Migration Agency (EDSMA), led by Director-General Lucky Agazuma, Aganran emphasised the importance of partnership between NAPTIP and EDSMA, particularly in the areas of investigation and arrests.

Director-General Agazuma also reiterated EDSMA’s commitment to combating human trafficking and irregular migration.
This partnership is expected to bolster Nigeria’s ongoing fight against the pervasive issues of human trafficking and irregular migration.
According to the 2023 Global Slavery Index, Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of trafficked persons, with an estimated 1.4 million Nigerians, mostly women and girls, trapped in modern slavery. Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of human trafficking in the country. Economic hardships drive many individuals to seek better opportunities abroad, making them easy targets for traffickers.
Limited access to education and skill development further increases vulnerability, while societal expectations and gender biases marginalise specific groups, raising their susceptibility to exploitation. Additionally, a lack of strong law enforcement enables traffickers to operate with relative impunity.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been actively involved in supporting Nigeria’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Human Trafficking for 2022-2026. This initiative aims to reduce trafficking through coordinated efforts among stakeholders, ensuring a more systematic and effective response to this crisis.