Impact of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (naptip) on the Rate of Human Trafficking in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract The study investigated the impact of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on the rate of human trafficking in Edo State, Nigeria—a state known for high cases of trafficking, especially of young girls deceived with promises of a better life abroad. The research highlighted the use of manipulation, diabolical oaths, and debt bondage by traffickers to control victims, leading to slavery, forced labour, sex trafficking, and organ trade, which negatively affect individuals’ wellbeing and Nigeria’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A descriptive survey design was adopted with a sample size of 100 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a self-constructed questionnaire and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that: Poor education, economic hardship, corruption, poverty, drug abuse, and lack of contentment are key factors contributing to human trafficking. Human trafficking significantly affects sustainable development in Edo State. NAPTIP and existing legislation have a significant positive impact in reducing and preventing human trafficking. The study recommended that NAPTIP should: Strengthen collaboration with international organizations such as Interpol and the United Nations for cross-border investigations and information sharing. Receive adequate funding and resources to enhance its operations, technology, surveillance, research, and manpower capacity.