UNODC, NAPTIP Advocate Holistic Approach to End Human Trafficking

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) and the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have advocated for an holistic approach to end human trafficking in Nigeria.

The UNODC Team Leader, Trafficking in Persons/Smuggling of Migrants Portfolio, Abimbola Adewumi, revealed this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the annual peer review for state taskforces on human trafficking.

The event centered on: “Bootcamp for state taskforces on human trafficking and launch of compendium of good practices in commemoration of the 2023 World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

The bootcamp was organised by NAPTIP, in collaboration with UNODC, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Expertise France, UNHCR, A-TIPSOM Nigeria, UNHR and International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), and aimed at training staff of NAPTIP across the country.

Adewumi said: “When it comes to the response on human trafficking in Nigeria, we all have agreed that NAPTIP cannot do it all alone as a Federal Government agency.

“This is why the idea of the state taskforces on human trafficking also evolved and when the concept evolved in the state taskforces we have a combination of law enforcement agencies.

“Also, traditional rulers, media in some states and civil society organisations; it is a composition of different influencers within community that makes-up state taskforce m, based on guideline NAPTIP provided for the states.

“This bootcamp is important because it promotes peer learning and understanding from state-to-state, interventions within the states and to boost holistic approach to tackle trafficking.”

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi commended the state taskforces for their commitment in combating human trafficking in the country.

She said the unique contribution of the stakeholders resulted in the success which made Nigeria retain its leading position in the comity of nations on human trafficking globally.

“Together, we have made great strides in our collective efforts to eliminate this modern-day slavery and protect the vulnerable.

“The first and second batches of the bootcamp were resounding successes, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, knowledge sharing and strategic planning.

“Participants from various states came together bringing their expertise and experiences to the table, resulting in comprehensive and effective strategies to counter human trafficking.

“The environmental scanning activities of the bootcamps offered the participants ample privilege to report trends, patterns and manifestation of trafficking in other states and localities.

“This provided insights into the prevalent forms of trafficking, most endemic locations, destination countries, among other vital information.”

In his remarks, the Country Project Manager, Expertise France, Mr Benjamin Eneanya, advised the participants to reflect on success so far recorded, to be able to do more.

Eneanya said: “As we gather here today, let us take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us together.

“It was in July 2022, we witnessed the inaugural bootcamp peer review, uniting 68 participants from 9 State Taskforces; the historic occasion set the stage for the remarkable progress we have achieved together since then.

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“Furthermore, this gathering marks the beginning of the process for the development of the 2nd edition of the STF Compendium of good practices.

“Building upon the success of the first edition, we will pool our collective knowledge, expertise, and experiences to create an even more comprehensive resource that will strengthen our fight against human trafficking.”

Meanwhile, the Chief of Mission of International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Laurent De Boeck described human trafficking as a global issue that required holistic approach to achieve targets aimed at eliminating such.

He said: “World over, trafficking in persons remains a global problem with over 40 million people being trafficked for various forms of exploitation.

“Nigeria is an important locus as a source, transit, and destination country in the trafficking process; IOM recognizes the critical role of partnerships and coordination to address Trafficking in Persons.

“Today’s meeting presents an opportunity to strengthenthe fight against trafficking in persons. The hosting of this meeting which involves various state Task Forces is a clear indication of Nigeria’s commitment to curb trafficking in persons.

“Let me also take advantage of this opportunity to congratulate NAPTIP for celebrating 20 years of unwavering commitment to fight against human trafficking in Nigeria with so many great achievements been scored.”

UNODC, NAPTIP Advocate Holistic Approach to End Human Trafficking