METHODOLOGICAL CHALLENGES IN COMBATING IRREGULAR MIGRATION, HUMANTRAFFICKING AND MODERN-DAY SLAVERY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria has been identified as a route, source and destination of irregular migration, human trafficking and modern-day slavery in recent times. Consequently, there had been series of awareness campaigns through public enlightenment, disseminated through different media (radio, television, print media and others), social advertisements, outreaches to religious places, markets, schools and many more to combat this menace of modern-day slavery. In spite of these innovative interventions, the issue of human trafficking, irregular migration and modern-day slavery has not abated in Nigeria. Using a triangulated technique, this paper examined various methodological challenges of combating irregular migration, human trafficking and modern-day slavery in Nigeria. A critical evaluation of the Field-Notes of the State and Regional Coordinators and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) across the 6-geo-political zones was done. The findings revealed some inherent methodological challenges that were threats to the reliability and validity of the various intervention activities. Major among these threat was history. Specifically, insecurity and deteriorating economic condition of the country had strength the propensity for irregular migration, human trafficking and modern-day slavery in the country. Until these fundamental threats are adequately addressed. Combating the menace of irregular migration, human trafficking and modern-day slavery might be a mirage. Key words: Irregular Migration, Human Trafficking, Modern-Day Slavery, Interventions, Threats, Nigeria