Abuja, Nigeria – The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has made remarkable progress in combating human trafficking.
Between 2022 and 2024, the agency successfully rescued over 7,000 victims while securing 205 convictions.
During the 27th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking, NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, proudly announced these achievements, underscoring the agency’s unwavering commitment to justice.
To strengthen its efforts, NAPTIP has implemented several strategic initiatives. For instance, the agency established 208 Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) vanguards in schools across Nigeria.
Additionally, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Swiss government, NAPTIP developed advanced digital tools to improve data collection and case reporting.
These innovations have significantly enhanced the agency’s operational efficiency.
Beyond these measures, NAPTIP has reactivated the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) data platform and set up a digital center in Katsina with support from NITDA.
Furthermore, the Lagos Zonal Command underwent refurbishment to better serve victims. Funding from the European Union, the Netherlands, and ECOWAS has also played a crucial role in expanding NAPTIP’s capabilities.
“We must fight together or risk enabling traffickers through silence,” Bello urged, calling for stronger public collaboration.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, stressed the need to update Nigeria’s anti-trafficking strategies.
“Human trafficking remains one of the most profitable crimes globally,” he warned.
“As traffickers increasingly exploit digital platforms, our response must evolve accordingly.”
His remarks highlighted the urgency of adapting to new challenges in the fight against trafficking.
Cheikh Touré, UNODC’s Representative in Nigeria, praised NAPTIP’s leadership while advocating for better coordination and survivor-centered approaches.
“Policies alone are meaningless without action,” he asserted. “Trafficking violates human dignity, hinders development, and fuels insecurity.”
His statement reinforced the need for decisive measures.
Swiss Ambassador Patrick Egloff emphasized trafficking’s transnational impact, noting its far-reaching consequences for both Nigeria and destination countries like Switzerland.
He reaffirmed Switzerland’s support for a rights-based approach to combatting this crime. Similarly, ECOWAS human trafficking officer Olatunde Olayemi pledged continued regional collaboration.
The forum united key stakeholders in strategizing against human trafficking, reinforcing the importance of collective action.
With strengthened partnerships, improved technology, and survivor-focused policies, Nigeria is making strides in dismantling trafficking networks.
However, sustained public awareness and international cooperation remain vital to ending this global menace.