What we learnt by tracking anti-trafficking projects 12 months after closure in Nigeria

A group of graduates proudly displaying their Empower Her certificates after completing their financial literacy and counseling programmes, culminating in the distribution of micro business startup packs.

Knowledge gained from post-project tracking

Twelve months after three anti-trafficking projects we supported in Nigeria came to an end, we’re pleased to share that follow-up tracking confirms sustained, positive outcomes across all three. Each project achieved long-term income generation, full financial inclusion and a complete reduction in unsafe migration intent, with all supported businesses still operating. This reinforces that trafficking prevention rooted in livelihoods and economic stability can endure and have long-term impact.

These insights have been critical in shaping future funding priorities, partnerships and programme design. We thank our frontline partners for their commitment to monitoring, evaluation and learning after projects  ended, and for implementing pre- and post-project surveys that ensured outcomes were grounded in lived experience and strengthened our understanding of what truly works.

Our Projects

• The Yak Iyamma Ika Iso Project successfully supported 12 female-headed households to transition from extreme subsistence into stable self-employment. 

  
  

• The EmpowerHer Initiative supported 15 women to launch and stabilise income-generating activities through business start-up support and financial literacy. 

  
  

• The Arise Nigeria - Empowerment of Resilience Youths project demonstrates exceptionally strong long-term outcomes 17+ months after completion among 12 youth participants.

  
  

Before joining the Empowerment of Resilience Youths project, participants reported near-zero income, often dependent on spouses or informal survival livelihoods, and all 12 considered unsafe migration. Following the intervention, all participants remain self-employed, and more than 17 months later all businesses remain operational. Income earnings are now 10–20 times above baseline conditions.  Several businesses have expanded significantly, including opening showrooms, renting additional shops, diversifying product lines, and employing apprentices. Financial inclusion is universal, with all participants holding bank accounts and saving regularly. The desire to pursue unsafe migration pathways fell from 100 percent pre-project to zero, with only one individual expressing interest in travel, and only through legal, regulated means.

Together, these projects demonstrate that sustained income generation, financial inclusion, and locally rooted support structures are among the most effective tools for reducing vulnerability to trafficking in Nigeria. By addressing the economic drivers of exploitation and strengthening community resilience, these interventions offer credible, scalable models for prevention in contexts where trafficking remains a persistent and evolving threat.

This is a custom footwear shop, the business of Adebayo (not his real name), a participant in the Empowerment of Resilience Youths. Adebayo has a workshop (top image) and show room (second image) where he displays and sells shoes. Adebayo has worked with 11 apprentices so far and is working towards paying off the project loan.

Another Empowerment of Resilience Youths participant has continued to strengthen her skills and grow her business, now operating a fully equipped salon (pictured above). She offers a range of services using professional hair accessories and products, including attachments, weaves, beads, shampoos, conditioners and dyes. The sales from her salon enables her to support her two children and other family members, while also training two apprentices. She expects to take on additional apprentices during the holiday period.

If you would like to find out more about these projects or the one's we currently support, please get in touch with the Arise team today!