In an effort to combat human trafficking in Nigeria, key organizations including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the European Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have joined forces. Their commitment was reaffirmed during the first policy-level meeting on human trafficking, held on Monday in Abuja.
This gathering is part of the project titled “From Policy to Action: Implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria (2022-2026),” which is funded by the Swiss government and collaboratively executed by NAPTIP and UNODC.
Binta Adamu Bello, the Director-General of NAPTIP, emphasized that the recent rise in human trafficking represents a severe violation of human rights that threatens the core of Nigerian society. She highlighted the necessity of a coordinated response that involves all sectors of government, law enforcement, international partners, civil society organizations, and the public.
Bello stated, “Our coordination must remain robust and adaptive to the evolving nature of trafficking crimes.” She added that, “Collecting, analyzing, and reporting reliable, sufficient, and up-to-date data is crucial for effectively preventing and combating this crime and its complex, ever-changing dynamics.”
To address these issues effectively, Bello noted that NAPTIP is implementing a bottom-up approach aimed at identifying and tracking traffickers at the grassroots level, involving all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
The conference also served as a platform to review governmental counter-trafficking efforts, determine priority actions for 2025, and engage in interactive sessions for valuable feedback.
Danilo Campiso, the Deputy Country Representative for UNODC in Nigeria, conveyed optimism about achieving a human trafficking-free Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for successful implementation. He remarked, “The success of this project and the full implementation of the National Action Plan depend on strong coordination, commitment, and the collaborative spirit that unites us today. Together, we can make significant strides toward eradicating human trafficking in Nigeria and safeguarding the rights and dignity of every individual.”
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, representing the President of the ECOWAS Commission, echoed the necessity of effective coordination, stating that it is critical for achieving a continent free from child trafficking. He urged everyone to contribute toward creating a safe environment for women and children to thrive.
Ojoma Ali, representing the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, stated, “Our ultimate goal is a Nigeria free from human trafficking, and Switzerland stands firmly behind this project.” The Swiss government commended NAPTIP for its ongoing efforts in preventing and prosecuting human trafficking offenses.
Michael Berenton, representing the U.S. Ambassador, stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to the complex nature of human trafficking. He stated, “It’s critically important for different organizations and agencies to examine this complex system and identify where we can make a meaningful impact. When we move from policy to action, those actions should change this system positively to achieve our shared goals.”
