Abstract
This research investigates the root causes of human trafficking in West Africa and Nigeria in particular. Findings indicate that the ‘push and pull factors' and other possible emerging factors are responsible for trafficking of persons within the region. Karl Marx theory of alienation was adopted to evaluate the research. The work recommends that various military and paramilitary agencies ought to be deployed to liaise with the locals in order to arrest agents of human trafficking. Poverty eradication by the government remains crucial in the fight against this disturbing menace. Also, various means should be used by the government to create employment opportunities. In case of none, then suitable welfare packages should be made available to citizens to alleviate their temptation of venturing into the practice. Also, an enabling environment, through the provision of social amenities, should be made available to those at the grassroots. And finally, everything must be done to eliminate class structure in the society, which is fast becoming the dream of many human trafficking victims.
TopConceptual Framework
To effectively discuss the root causes of human trafficking in West Africa and Nigeria in particular, it will be imperative to first of do a review on the meaning of human trafficking, the various forms of human trafficking and finally, the brief history of human trafficking as a practice. This will shed a better light in the proceeding flow of discussion on the research under focus.
Key Terms in this Chapter
NAPTIP: It is known as National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons. It was created on 14th of July 2003 by the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2003. The Agency is the Federal Government of Nigeria’s response to addressing the scourge of trafficking in persons (Naptip, n.d. AU52: The in-text citation "Naptip, n.d." is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ). Nigeria: Referred to as the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a federal state in West Africa. It borders Cameroon and Chad to the East, Benin to the West and Niger to the North. It also has a coast in the south that lies on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. Nigeria is made up of 36 cities and the Federal Capital Territory, where Abuja, the capital city is situated (Short History of Nigeria, 1999-2022).
Slavery: The state of being a slave to be sold into slavery opposite freedom ( Hornby, 2006 ).
Exploitation: A situation in which somebody treats somebody else in an unfair way, especially in order to make money from their work ( Hornby, 2006 ).
Modern Day Slavery: Human trafficking is sometimes described by this term. It is a modern form of human trading which uses the vulnerable state of human being and treat them as commodities (Albrecht, 2007 AU51: The in-text citation "Albrecht, 2007" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Human Trafficking: Merriam Webster dictionary defines it as an organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited (Merriam-Webster. n.d). It is the crime of transporting or controlling people and forcing them to work in the sex trade or other forms of forced labour ( Hornby, 2006 ).
Holocaust: It means destruction or killing on a mass scale ( Hornby, 2006 ).
West Africa: A region with 17 countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo as well as Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha ( Paul & Catherine, 2001 ).
Voodoo Ritual Oath: Is a formal ritual called “juju oath ceremony”, that guide and shape individuals, families and communities in trading with each other. It is usually done on a daily routine; as this rule was used in sealing their trading agreement with voodoo, just to guarantee that each side of the accord stayed faithful to their commitments. Destruction will go to the individual who tries to cheat on the other party ( Jenny, 2011 & Etchingham, 2015 ). It is this tradition; the traffickers now take the advantage, by applying it to suit their purposes. They use it to control and silence their victims.