Qualitative Study on the Roles of Social Workers in Multi-Disciplinary Anti-Trafficking Teams in Enugu State, Nigeria

Author: Kene-Okafor, Dawn; Obi-Keguna, Christy; Nwafor, Nneka; Okah, Paulinus; Nnama-Okechukwu, Chinwe & Onalu, Chinyere

Abstract: Recent reports indicate that human trafficking is the third-largest growing crime syndicate globally, with links to other crimes such as drug trafficking, organ harvesting, and sex trafficking. Nigeria, both a source and destination country for human trafficking, has seen a rise in reported cases. Multi-disciplinary anti-trafficking teams have been established to combat this growing crisis. However, there is limited research on the specific roles of social workers in these teams. Therefore, this phenomenological study aimed to investigate the contributions of social workers to multi-disciplinary anti-trafficking teams in Enugu state. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 participants, including seven survivors of human trafficking and eight service providers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that while social workers are primarily recognized for their curative interventions, their roles in prevention, such as protection and rehabilitation for trafficking-vulnerable populations, are often underutilized. The study also revealed that social workers in Nigeria collaborate with professionals in the legal and health sectors to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts. Future research should examine the legal and policy frameworks supporting social workers within multi-disciplinary anti-trafficking teams in Nigeria. These structures ensure effective coordination, resource allocation, and accountability among key stakeholders.

Keywords: human trafficking, social workers collaboration, multi-disciplinary, anti-trafficking, Nigeria