New Perspectives in Combating Child Trafficking and the Shift to an Effective Child Protection in Nigeria

Abstract

The Article examines the challenging issues of child trafficking and the new perspective in combating the phenomenon in Nigeria. It shows the multiplicity and the complex nature of the problem which has social, cultural and political underpinnings. The lack of genuine political will and focus on addressing the factors per se contributes to the perpetuation of the phenomenon. The need for the identification and eradication of child trafficking has become a matter of urgency, hence a particular attention from authorities and all stakeholders is deemed an imperative. The article focuses on the legal and political approach adopted by Nigerian law and policy makers in recent years. The article evaluates the achievements made through various actions undertaken to eliminate the phenomenon. It concludes that there are shortcomings although the new approaches adopted as the Nigerian authorities have yet to deliver in the area of child trafficking and the protection of children's rights.