Cross-Border Corruption and Persistence of Human Trafficking Along Nigeria—Benin Republic Migratory Corridor

Abstract

The persistence and prevalence of human trafficking across the African region have continued to pose worries among academics and other stakeholders on the continent. Despite the existing legislation against human trafficking in virtually all African countries, the menace still persists, thus posing several consequences such as risk, abuse and exploitation of vulnerable populations such as women and children and undermining their job dignity, therefore impeding the realization of sustainable development goals 8 and 16 which focus on promoting sustained, inclusive and economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all and also peace, justice and strong institutions that aim to end violence against women and children. Interestingly, research has been carried out on human trafficking in Africa, but few studies have explored how border corruption influences the persistence of human trafficking along the Nigeria–Benin Republic Corridor. This, therefore, would serve as the thrust of this study. The study seeks to answer the question: To what extent does border corruption influence the persistence of human trafficking along the Nigeria–Benin Republic corridor? An exploratory research design was used in the study. The outcome of the study showed that the majority of the victims of human trafficking were successfully recruited and transported by the traffickers due to the manifestation of corruption-related activities at the border among the security operatives who could have scrutinized and interrogated the victims, thereby preventing them from being trafficked. It is recommended that there should be a restructuring among the border operatives in both countries to be more efficient in discharging their duties. This would reduce the surge of human trafficking in Africa generally.