African Union and Human Rights Protection in Nigeria. 2015-2025

This study examined the role of the African Union (AU) in human rights protection in Nigeria between 2015 and 2025, with a particular focus on child trafficking and the protection of vulnerable children. Using documentary research methodology, the study relied on secondary sources such as academic literature, AU policy documents, government reports, and relevant publications from international organizations. The study was anchored on the Structural Functionalist Theory, which explains how institutions work together to maintain social stability and address dysfunctions such as child trafficking. Findings revealed that the African Union has made significant contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s human rights framework through regional legal instruments, policy advocacy, institutional support, capacity building, and partnerships with agencies such as NAPTIP, UNICEF, and IOM. These interventions have contributed to legal reforms, improved coordination among institutions, public awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation programmes for trafficked children. However, child trafficking remains widespread due to persistent challenges such as poverty, insecurity, corruption, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate institutional coordination. The study also found that gaps between policy formulation and implementation continue to limit the effectiveness of both AU and national responses. The study concludes that while the African Union has played an important role in promoting human rights protection in Nigeria, its impact is constrained by weak enforcement structures and limited political commitment at the national level. It therefore recommends stronger institutional capacity, improved regional and national collaboration, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and socio-economic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of child trafficking.