1.4m Nigerians trapped in modern slavery, most of them women and girls
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has disclosed that 1.4 million Nigerians are trapped in modern slavery at home and abroad, most of the victims women and girls.
She made the disclosure as special guest speaker at the 2025 yearly academic summit at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) where she also quoted the Global Slavery Index (2023) that Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of trafficked persons.
A statement Sulaiman-Ibrahim issued through her Media and Publicity Adviser Jonathan Eze noted that some statistics do not do justice to the immense potential Nigeria has.
“Over 60 per cent of Nigerians attempting to migrate irregularly are women and girls, many of whom are trafficked for forced labour or sexual exploitation,” the statement said.
“Reports indicate that over 50,000 Nigerian women are trapped in forced prostitution across Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain.
“The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than 80 per cent of Nigerian women, who arrive in Europe through irregular routes are potential trafficking victims.”
She stressed that the fight against illegal migration and girl-child trafficking is a fight for the soul of Nigeria.
“If we fail to act decisively, we risk losing an entire generation of young women to exploitation, violence and despair.
“We are working with lawmakers to review and enhance protection laws for women and children, to close existing loopholes. I recently inaugurated a committee to review the Child Rights Act of 2003.”
Others present at the summit included UNIABUJA Vice Chancellor Aisha Maikudi, summit convener Mutiullah Olasupo, and former presidential Chief of Staff Ibrahim Gambari.
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