The European Union has pledged an extra €6 million to help Nigeria strengthen its response to human trafficking and enhance migration governance.
Ambassador Gautier Mignot, who leads the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made the announcement in Abuja during the 28th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Trafficking in Persons.
He said the funding confirms the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s war against trafficking.
Unlike past efforts, the EU will channel this new support through an existing project on migration governance in Nigeria.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIAP) currently run the project.
“This new intervention focuses on building resilience in institutions, across borders, and within vulnerable communities,” Mignot explained.
He emphasized that criminal networks prey on such communities, making targeted intervention essential.
Moreover, he noted that human trafficking remains more than a local crime.
Rather, it functions as a global criminal enterprise powered by transnational networks and driven by illicit profit motives. Because of this, countries must adopt strategic and coordinated responses.
Mignot also applauded the efforts of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
He urged the agency to keep pushing for full implementation of Nigeria’s national action plan on trafficking in persons.
Mignot also encouraged continued partnerships with civil society and global development allies.
Throughout his remarks, Mignot stressed the importance of grounding anti-trafficking efforts in human rights and ethical principles.
He called on stakeholders to prioritize the needs of women, girls, and marginalized populations during planning and intervention.
Meanwhile, the ongoing stakeholders’ forum drew participation from federal and state institutions, development organizations, and non-profits.
Attendees reviewed Nigeria’s current progress and explored ways to deepen collaboration across sectors.
With this €6 million boost, Nigeria expects to expand its institutional capacity, improve cross-border tracking, and reduce community-level vulnerabilities.
As human trafficking cases continue to threaten Nigeria’s future, the EU’s funding marks a critical investment in justice, prevention, and protection.