Efficacy of the legal frameworks for child protection in Nigeria

Abstract

This research evaluates the potential challenges to a total eradication of child trafficking in Nigeria. The magnitude of the problem, as well as its despicable nature, triggered increasing legislations in Nigeria in recent years. This research shows that despite the remarkable efforts in term of law and policy approaches the problem appears to persist. The objective of the research is to demonstrate that law and policies approaches to addressing the issue are not proving effective. It appears that several socio-cultural issues related to child trafficking remain unaddressed. Despite the wealth of knowledge in relation to the topic there is a gap in literature. Indeed the existing gap in literature regarding child trafficking in Nigeria is evidenced by the fact that no adequate way forward has been indicated to overcome the phenomenon. In an attempt to fil the existing gap this research inquires whether the non-achievement of goals in combatting child trafficking is imputable to the lack of toughness in the spirit of the laws and policies or the lack of efficacy due to ineffective implementation and enforcement. By proving the appropriate answers to these crucial questions the research may not only fil the existing gap in literature by also offer the adequate approach to be taken by law and policy makers and other stakeholders in the fight against child trafficking to overcome the problem. The approach taken in conducting this research is textual analysis or doctrinal analysis and deconstruction of the enforcement mechanisms of human trafficking laws and policies in Nigeria in general. However Nigeria has sufficiently domesticated international human trafficking legislation and Human Rights instruments, the issue of enforcement remains a crucial element in achieving the ultimate goal of total eradication. Where such prospect appears unattainable, it is necessary to adopt a holistic approach to combatting child trafficking in order to achieve the ultimate goal of total eradication.