THE CHALLENGE OF MODERN-DAY SLAVERY

In Nigeria, the challenge of modern-day slavery persists despite efforts to combat it. The 2023 Global Slavery Index (GSI) report highlights that 1.6 million individuals were living in modern slavery in Nigeria in 2021, representing a prevalence of 7.8 people per 1000 people in the country. This figure underscores the severity of the issue within Africa, where more than seven percent of the population is estimated to be victims of slavery.

Modern slavery, defined as the status or condition of a person who cannot refuse or leave due to threats, violence, coercion, deception, or abuse of power, encompasses various forms of exploitation. These include forced domestic, industrial, and commercial labor, as well as forced marriages or the exchange of individuals as commodities without their knowledge or consent.

Shockingly, many young women are deceived by traffickers who promise them jobs in North African and Middle Eastern countries only to become domestic slaves.

The Nigerian government has been commended for its response to the modern slavery challenge, including supporting survivors and addressing risk factors. However, the report acknowledges that Nigeria remains among the most vulnerable countries to modern slavery in Africa, with the fifth-highest prevalence in the region. The primary factors contributing to this contemporary bondage are poverty, economic crises, physical conflicts, and environmental disasters.

These issues are deeply entrenched in Nigeria today, necessitating bold, well-designed, and executed government interventions, as well as increased collaboration between the public and private sectors. Only through concerted and collaborative efforts aimed at empowering the populace and restoring the dignity of citizens can the scourge of modern slavery be effectively curbed.