Nairobi/Niamey - A Nigerian woman is suing the government for failing to enforce 2003 laws that banned slavery in the impoverished country, the BBC reported Monday.

Hadijatou Mani, a former slave, is accusing Niger of continuing to "legitimize slavery through customary law," the BBC reported.

Mani was sold into slavery for about 500 dollars when she was 12 years old and says she was used as a sex slave by her master, among other forced duties.

The trial - the first of its kind - could open doors to similar suits and bring an end to the practice.

Niger outlawed slavery in 2003 and enacted laws that could see violators be sentenced for up to 30 years in prison.

A local human rights group claims there are more than 40,000 people still living as slaves in Niger, a country known for devastating droughts and famines. (dpa)