INTERNATIONAL LEGAL MECHANISMS AGAINST FORCED LABOUR: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA

Forced labour remains a critical human rights concern in Nigeria despite Nigeria’s ratification of several international and regional legal instruments aimed at its eradication. The persistence of coercive labour practices, especially within the informal economy, is exacerbated by socio-economic vulnerabilities, outdated domestic legislation, and weak institutional enforcement mechanisms. This study investigates the effectiveness of international legal mechanisms such as the ILO Conventions Nos. 29 and 105, the Palermo Protocol, and regional instruments such as the African Charter and ECOWAS standards against the backdrop of Nigeria’s implementation gaps. Using a doctrinal legal research methodology supplemented by content analysis of secondary data from official reports and scholarly literature, this paper identifies substantial deficits in law enforcement, regulatory coherence, and victim protection. The findings reveal that while Nigeria has made formal commitments, practical implementation is hindered by legal fragmentation, limited labour inspection, and inadequate social protection systems. This study recommends legislative reform, ratification of outstanding protocols, increased institutional funding, and the development of a national action plan. It concludes that bridging the gap between normative commitments and enforcement practice is essential for eliminating forced labour and advancing decent work. This paper seeks to contributes to existing scholarship by providing an integrated analysis of international obligations and national challenges, offering actionable pathways for reform.