The Federal Government says it is addressing trafficking in persons from the roots through its social investment programmes to reduce poverty.
It also named porous borders, poverty, lack of education and unemployment as factors compounding the difficulty in combatting human trafficking.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said this when he declared the 26th National Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking opened in Abuja on Monday.
“The porous nature of our borders and the sophisticated networks of these criminals further compounds the challenge of combating the menace.
“Nigeria has demonstrated its commitment not only in the high number of convictions but also with successful rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of victims alongside strategic preventive measures.
“President Bola Tinubu-led administration recognises that addressing poverty and underdevelopment is critical in preventing human trafficking. Investing in people, especially young people and the disadvantaged, reduces the desperation that drives individuals into exploitation abroad,” said Fagbemi.
The AGF affirmed the government’s commitment to scale its social investment programmes to provide livelihood support in deterring potential victims from falling prey to traffickers.
However, he emphasised that one agency or arm of government cannot shoulder the fight against human trafficking.
Instead, it demands a collective effort involving civil society, the private sector, international organisations, communities and the people.
