UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime

UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has described human trafficking as an assault on human dignity not just a crime.

Speaking at the 27th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum (NSCF) on Human Trafficking organised by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Wednesday in Abuja, the Country Representative of the UNODC in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, while lauding Nigeria’s fight against Human trafficking, said: “Human trafficking isn’t just a crime, it’s an assault on dignity, a drag on development, and a threat to national security.”

Toure added that: “This forum remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national response to trafficking. It’s where policy meets practice, federal and state actors converging around a shared vision of a trafficking-free Nigeria.”

He noted that “the importance of a multisectoral, victim-focused, and relentless response,” while acknowledging the joint efforts of NAPTIP and UNODC under the “From Policy to Action” project, supported by the Swiss government.

He also lauded the DG of NAPTIP for her leadership role and also commended contributions from the Attorney General, of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), state governments, development partners including the European Union (EU), France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD, and various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the war against human trafficking.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who gave the keynote address, called on state’s Commissioners for Women Affairs to leverage on their strategic positions to advocate and influence state budgets and policies.

He said: “I urge Commissioners for Women Affairs across the country to leverage their strategic positions to advocate and influence state-level policies, budgets, and programmes that directly or indirectly impact trafficking and exploitation.

“Creation of a budget line for State Task Force activities is highly recommended as it would also guarantee the institutionalization of State Task Forces on human Trafficking in the states.”

In his words “The Federal Ministry of Justice remains committed to supporting NAPTIP through continuous policy formulation, legal reforms, strategic coordination, and high-level advocacy. Let me assure you that we will continue to work closely with NAPTIP and other partners to ensure that the legal and institutional frameworks for tackling trafficking remain dynamic, responsive, and effective.

The Swiss Ambassador to Belgium and NATO, Jacques Pitteloud, in his goodwill message also lauded Nigeria’s progress and reaffirmed Switzerland’s long-term support.

He called for international cooperation in addressing root causes of trafficking and commended NAPTIP’s efforts under the “From Policy to Action” project.

“Our partnership with Nigeria goes beyond financial contribution. It is built on trust, shared priorities, and joint ownership. We’re especially encouraged by the involvement of local governments, signaling a grassroots approach to combating trafficking,” Pitteloud said.

He also noted the development of a new dashboard and reporting hub, as well as the inclusion of critical actors like the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the national response.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, in her welcome address highlighted key achievements under the agency’s 5Ps strategy: Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.

She noted that over 7,000 victims have been rescued between 2022 and 2024, with 205 convictions secured within the same period.

She also announced the development of new digital tools to enhance data reporting, increased public awareness campaigns, the inauguration of over 200 Anti-TIP school vanguards, and the expansion of State Task Forces to 24 states.

“We are proud of the milestones achieved, from setting up the Human Trafficking Digital Centre in Katsina to revamping our training center with German support. Yet, the road ahead requires deeper collaboration and renewed commitment at all levels,” Bello said.

UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime