The fight to end modern slavery has gained momentum with the launch of an international campaign spearheaded by the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. The campaign is aimed at tackling the growing global crisis that currently traps over 50 million people, including 1.6 million Nigerians, in the horrific practice of forced labour and human trafficking.
This revelation comes as a shock to many, with Nigeria ranked as one of the highest countries affected by modern slavery in Africa. The 2023 Global Slavery Index, released by the commission, places Nigeria fifth among the 51 African nations with the highest prevalence of modern slavery. However, Nigeria’s proactive response to the issue, including implementing a National Action Plan (NAP) to combat the crime, has also been noted by international organizations.
Modern slavery is a growing global issue that remains largely invisible despite its scale. It includes forced labor, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and child labor. According to the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, more than 50 million people globally are enslaved, with at least 1.6 million of them in Nigeria alone.
The Global Commission, led by former British Prime Minister Theresa May, recently launched an international campaign to raise awareness and bring about concrete action to combat the issue. The campaign was unveiled on April 8 at the United Nations in New York, in a statement that echoed urgent calls for global collective action.
May, who is the chairperson of the commission, described modern slavery as “the greatest human rights issue of our time.” She emphasized that while the world faces many challenges, slavery remains a “moral stain on humanity.” She further pointed out that the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly those caught in forced labor or trafficking, should be met with swift and effective global intervention.
“Modern slavery is a violation of basic human rights. Every person trapped in slavery has a right to live freely. The time to act is now,” said May during the campaign launch. She stressed that millions of victims around the world are deprived of their rights and dignity, living in brutal conditions, often in silence.
In the face of this grim reality, Nigeria has been making strides in the battle against modern slavery. As highlighted in the Global Slavery Index, the country has made significant progress in implementing anti-slavery laws and measures, including the creation of a National Action Plan (NAP) to address human trafficking.
Despite these efforts, Nigeria’s high rank on the index underlines the enormous challenge still ahead. Nigerian authorities and local organizations have been engaged in fighting human trafficking, but the persistent prevalence of modern slavery in many parts of the country demonstrates that more needs to be done.
Several Nigerian states, especially those with high poverty rates, have been hotbeds for human trafficking. Traffickers often exploit vulnerable Nigerians, including women and children, by luring them with promises of better opportunities abroad or in cities, only to subject them to forced labor or sexual exploitation. The scale of the problem calls for immediate and comprehensive action from both the Nigerian government and the international community.
The Global Commission on Modern Slavery’s report, presented at the UN, calls for stronger and more effective action from governments, businesses, and civil society. One of the key recommendations is for countries to pass and enforce laws that define modern slavery in clear terms, making it easier for authorities to prosecute perpetrators. Additionally, businesses are urged to take greater responsibility for ensuring their supply chains are free from forced labor and exploitation.
The Commission’s report also highlights the need for a collective international approach to tackling the issue, alongside other global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical instability. By addressing the systemic failures that allow slavery to persist, governments and organizations can help create an environment where exploitation is no longer tolerated.
“Modern slavery is not a problem that can be solved by one country alone. It requires a global effort,” said Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly. “We must all work together—governments, businesses, and civil society—to create a world where exploitation is no longer allowed to flourish.”
In this context, the Global Commission is calling for countries to prioritize modern slavery on the international agenda and to make a stronger commitment to the United Nations’ goal of eliminating all forms of slavery and human trafficking by 2030.
In addition to the international appeal, personal stories of survivors continue to highlight the severity of the issue. One such survivor is Nasreen Sheikh, who was forced into modern slavery at the age of 10. Sheikh spent long hours in a sweatshop in Kathmandu, standing at a textile machine for up to 15 hours a day. After escaping her captors, Sheikh became an anti-modern slavery activist and social entrepreneur.
“I know firsthand the impact of this devastating crime on people’s lives – stripping them of their humanity and destroying their livelihoods,” said Sheikh. She compared the widespread suffering caused by contemporary
