The Nigerian Government has called for an urgent, strategic and deliberate global response to end the menace of human trafficking.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo made the call at the World Press Conference in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in Abuja, Nigeria.
Represented by the Director, Humanitarian Affairs Department in the Ministry, Ali Grema, the Permanent Secretary said NAPTIP has given Nigeria a face in the comity of nations as a fore most counter trafficking agency.
According to him, the agency has provided mentorship for several other countries within sub-Saharan Africa, hence setting the pace for others to follow.
“Some of the notable achievements of the Agency include awareness campaigns and sensitization strategically designed to educate people about human trafficking, its associated violence and what drives it.
“The establishment of secondary school vanguards, rolling out the Trafficking in persons curricula in schools nationwide, Inclusion of Trafficking in Persons issues into the Minimum Standards of Colleges of Education in collaboration with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), the establishment of a 24/7 Call Centre and Launch of the ‘627’ short code, are all mechanisms that the Agency has put in place to stem the tide of this heinous crime.
“Other milestones of the Agency include: 14,813 cases reported; 10,005 suspected traffickers arrested; 623 Convictions (80 convictions in 2022 and 47 in 2023 for now, including the recent extradition of a high-profile human trafficker to Italy to serve her 13 years jail term); 260 ongoing cases in various courts across the country; the rescue of close to 22,000 victims of human trafficking,” he explained.
The Director General, NAPTIP, Fatima Waziri-Azi said although the crime of human trafficking has spread fast, the agency remains undaunted in the fight against the scourge with the support of the public.
“But one thing I know is that Nigeria is better poised to control and tackle human trafficking due to the collaborative efforts of everyone. The public is better informed about issues of trafficking and is due to the amplified visibility of NAPTIP.”
According to her, Nigerians have become their brothers ‘keepers.
“Looking out for one another and this has increased reportage of issues of human trafficking and violence against persons.”
The Director General reeled out activities to mark the 20 years of existence of the agency to include Digital campaign on social media, survivors forum for victims, Conversation with NAPTIP, Awards to celebrate donors and partners amongst others.
