Trafficking interceptions up in Nigeria, but 'progress still slow'
18/03/2010
Trafficking convictions in Nigeria have risen each year since the implementation of legislation in 2005, but progress to eliminate the problem has been described as still slow.
Speaking to Irin News, Ego Uzoezie, commissioner of Women's Affairs in Anambra State Ministry, said that the successes have failed to meet expectations on the matter.
She commented: "The progress is not as high as we'd like when we compare it to the efforts the government has put in."
The exact amount of individuals smuggled each year is not known - the only recorded statistics are the number of people intercepted by law enforcement officers since the National Agency Prohibiting Trafficking in Persons was established in 2004.
Nigeria defines trafficking according to the guidelines set out by the United Nations, which includes the recruiting, harbouring, receiving or transporting of individuals through force, coercion, fraud or abduction or the exploitation of a person of vulnerability for servitude or forced labour.
Written by Dan Parr
