IHRC Pushes New Child Protection Framework to Prevent Trafficking in Nigeria
The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Corporation has called on Nigeria to beef up prevention systems and community-based child protection to prevent children from being trafficked before they are exploited.
The call came during activities to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which focused on children as the mainstay of a proposed framework to enhance Nigeria’s response to trafficking in persons.
It is being developed by the IHRC Corporation in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Nigeria.
The upcoming Nigeria Child Protection Compact (CPC) Readiness Assessment and Strategic Framework 2027-2032 will not supplant existing anti-trafficking policies, the organisation said.
The framework will be expected to outline how to enhance prevention, improve coordination between institutions and increase community involvement in child protection.
One of the key proposals is the National Community Based Child Protection and Anti-Trafficking Prevention Platform, which will centre on grassroots prevention, early warning and coordinated community action against child trafficking.
The initiative focuses on vulnerabilities and preventing children from being exposed to vulnerabilities from a child protection point of view.
To prevent trafficking, it is necessary to have a coordinated response from government, security institutions, civil society organisations, schools, faith-based groups, traditional leaders, communities and families, the IHRC said.
The organisation emphasized that child protection should not start after a child has been trafficked or exploited. Rather, communities and institutions need systems in place to detect risks early and take action before damage is done.
The proposed framework is likely to be released in the next few weeks and will span the years 2027-2032.
The campaign underscores the importance of strengthening systems in Nigeria to enable children to develop safely, in dignity and security.
