Abstract

Sex trafficking is a type of violence perpetrated on women that takes place in diverse settings and usually involves many different actors. It is an aspect of human trafficking that is becoming pandemic in society and possibly, the fastest growing human rights violation in the world today. It has generated a lot of concern worldwide and especially in Nigeria where it is very rampant. Sex trafficking in females resembles the ancient dehumanizing slave trade. In most cases, it involves involuntary servitude and is therefore commonly referred to as modern day slavery. Sex trafficking thrives and goes on with impunity because several countries do not have tough anti-trafficking legislation in place and even when there are legislation in place, such laws are often not enforced to check the menace of sex trafficking due mainly to very influential people involved in this disgraceful act. Unfortunately few trafficking cases are prosecuted, and only a few actually result in convictions. What is more, fear and shame keep many women and girls from seeking help. Nigeria is one country that is deeply affected by sex trafficking and so has taken the bull by the horn by enacting a national law on human trafficking due to the high prevalence of sex trafficking in the country. This work examined the menace of sex trafficking particularly as it affects Nigeria and examined major legal framework in place to curb sex trafficking whilst ascertaining their adequacy or otherwise, and how the menace has been curtailed so far and proffered a solution.

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