International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The menace of human trafficking has persisted against all efforts by government agencies, non-governmental organizations and individuals who has taken it upon themselves to report and bring to the appropriate authorities all information related to human trafficking. Yet the activities of traffickers have continued sporadically which necessitate other approaches to address the problem. Objective: Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the role of communication strategies in mitigating human trafficking in Nigeria.
Method: The study adopted a case study design to evaluate specific cases in order to ascertain if communication strategies have played salient role or not.
Result: The result of the study shows that there are seven communication strategies used by government agency (NAPTIP), these include: special radio drama/phone in programmes, television campaigns known as NAPTIP on the move episode, town hall meetings, distress hot line call, “NAPTIP Help”(Help App), social media platforms and blue bus campaign.Also, the result found that communication strategies are very effective and have led to the arrest of several human traffickers and the rescuing of victims. The result of the study equally revealed that there are correlations between communication strategies and government actions/interventions in the agency which hadprompted the reviewed Policy Act of the agency in 2015 to accommodate legal frameworks for prosecuting human traffickers and providing support for victim. Conclusion: The study concluded that communication strategies are effective mechanism in curtailing human trafficking in Nigeria and should be sustainedby NAPTIP.
Unique Contribution: The unique contribution of this study is that it has put forward empirical evidence that could be useful in addressing the problemof human trafficking in Nigeria especially the adoption of mixed communication strategies.
Key Recommendation: The study recommended that NAPTIP should strengthen the effectiveness of their communication strategies and practice strategic communication mix where all the communication strategies will be at work at the same time in different parts of the country as against introducing them one after another as situation arises.That NAPTIP should endeavour to expand beyond the established communication strategies since adopting them do not eradicate human trafficking in Nigeria while consistency use of the communication strategies should be maintained.That NAPTIP should partner with National Orientation Agency, National Directorate of Employment, Ministry of Education (for free compulsory education to JSS3), Ministry of Power and Energy and Ministry of finance (on ease of doing business and tax waivers for young business owners), SMEDAN, NGOs and Bank of Industry for loan and grants. This will help tackle the root causes of human trafficking in Nigeria.