NAPTIP, ICMPD Sensitise Students on Trafficking, Safe Migration in Abuja

NAPTIP, ICMPD Sensitise Students on Trafficking, Safe Migration in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

About 100 secondary school students in Abuja have been sensitised on the dangers of human trafficking, violence and irregular migration during the Safe Futures Awareness Day organised to commemorate the 2026 celebration of International Women’s Day.

The one-day school outreach programme was organised by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons as part of efforts to educate young Nigerians on personal safety and safe migration practices.

The event, which brought together students, government officials and development partners, was designed to be interactive, accessible and informative, creating a safe space where young people could learn about trafficking risks, ask questions and gain knowledge to protect themselves and their peers.

Organisers said the outreach programme aimed to raise awareness among students about the dangers of human trafficking and how to recognise early warning signs. It also provided clear information on safe and legal migration pathways as opposed to irregular and risky routes that often expose individuals to exploitation.

Participants were further equipped with practical personal safety tips and encouraged to openly discuss issues related to trafficking, migration and online safety. The initiative also sought to build stronger awareness among students about the mandates of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Nigeria Immigration Service in protecting young Nigerians from exploitation and ensuring safe cross-border movement.

Speaking at the programme, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, warned students to be cautious of offers promising quick wealth, overseas jobs or travel opportunities without proper documentation or verification.

According to her, traffickers often exploit the hopes and aspirations of young people by presenting deceptive opportunities that eventually lead to exploitation and loss of freedom.

“Traffickers prey on hope, desperation and lack of information. They promise fast money, travel or glamour, but what they deliver is pain, loss of freedom and danger,” she said.

Bello stressed that irregular migration may appear attractive but often exposes individuals to abuse, trafficking and broken promises.

She advised students to verify any opportunity that involves travelling abroad and to ensure such offers come with the necessary skills, valid contracts, verified employers and legal migration channels.

“If someone offers you a great job abroad, that may sound fantastic, but it must be safe. Offers that come without relevant skills, clear contracts, verified employers or legal migration channels can be traps rather than opportunities,” she cautioned.

The NAPTIP boss also reminded the students that traffickers often manipulate trust and that awareness and fact-checking remain critical in protecting themselves.

“Some of you may think it cannot happen to you because you are careful, but traffickers are clever and know how to manipulate trust. Being informed and checking facts protects you,” she added.

Bello encouraged the students to remain focused on education and skills development, assuring them that their future should never be compromised by unsafe opportunities.

“You are not commodities to be traded. Your safety, your dreams and your future are priceless. Keep learning, keep building your skills and pursue opportunities through safe and legal channels,” she said.

She also assured participants that NAPTIP, together with partners including the International Centre for Migration Policy Development and the Government of the Netherlands, would continue to strengthen efforts to protect Nigerians from trafficking and hold perpetrators accountable.

The Safe Futures Awareness Day is supported by the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the Building and Environment Free of Human Trafficking and Violence Against Persons in Nigeria (TIPVAP NG) project.

Through discussions, presentations and interactive sessions, students were encouraged to recognise trafficking risks, understand safe migration processes and learn practical ways to protect themselves both online and offline.

Organisers expressed optimism that the knowledge shared during the programme would empower young Nigerians to make informed decisions and pursue their aspirations without falling victim to trafficking networks.

NAPTIP, ICMPD Sensitise Students on Trafficking, Safe Migration in Abuja