In an effort to raise awareness and protect girls from becoming victims of human trafficking in Nigeria, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), has conducted a campaign tagged “Safe Future Awareness Programme” on human trafficking and irregular migration in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The campaign aims to educate, inform, and raise awareness among girls, who are often the most vulnerable to human trafficking and irregular migration in Nigeria.
The campaign was supported by ICMPD and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Speaking at the programme, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed the agency’s commitment to intensifying the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration in the country.
Bello explained that girls are disproportionately affected by human trafficking and irregular migration, stressing the need for sustained efforts to address the menace.
“NAPTIP, together with dependable partners like ICMPD and with the support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is committed to protecting you, educating you, and holding perpetrators accountable. We will keep working so that your choices lead to brighter, safer futures.
Traffickers promise quick money, travel, or glamour, but what they deliver is pain, loss of freedom, and danger. Violence and exploitation can happen to anyone, anywhere— in person and online. Knowing the signs and where to go for help reduces the risk.”
In her remarks, the project manager of ICMPD, Mrs Rhonda Dia Jones, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to combat human trafficking and irregular migration in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is one of the youngest countries in the world, full of talent, energy, and possibility. The future you build here does not just belong to you; it belongs to this nation.
The promise of a better life can be appealing. While some opportunities are genuine, others are carefully designed traps set by people who do not have your best interests at heart.”
Also speaking, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nana Nandap, who was represented by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration Gift Ike Nzekwe, noted that women and girls are often more vulnerable during migration. She warned that unsafe or irregular migration routes could expose them to dangerous situations.
Nandap further advised Nigerians, especially young girls, to verify job offers and educational opportunities, understand the legal requirements of destination countries, and seek guidance from trusted authorities and institutions.
The event was attended by students from Government Secondary School Wuse, Oloye Comprehensive College Lugbe, Glowing Ages Academy Games Village, and Baze University Abuja. The students expressed gratitude to NAPTIP and ICMPD for organising the programme and pledged to promote the campaign’s message among their peers.