Tinubu combating human trafficking with initiatives for social investment

According to the Federal Government, through its social investment initiatives aimed at mitigating poverty, it is tackling human trafficking at its source. ⁎⁶

Additionally, it listed unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, and permeable borders as reasons making the fight against human trafficking more difficult.

When he announced that the 26th National Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking had commenced in Abuja on Monday, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi made this statement.

“The porous nature of our borders and the sophisticated networks of these criminals further compounds the challenge of combating the menace. ⁣
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“Nigeria has demonstrated its commitment not only in the high number of convictions but also with successful rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of victims alongside strategic preventive measures. ⁣
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“President Bola Tinubu-led administration recognises that addressing poverty and underdevelopment is critical in preventing human trafficking. Investing in people, especially young people and the disadvantaged, reduces the desperation that drives individuals into exploitation abroad,” said Fagbemi.⁣

The Attorney General (AGF) reaffirmed the government’s resolve to expand its social investment initiatives in order to support livelihoods and prevent potential victims from becoming victims of human trafficking. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the fight against human trafficking cannot be taken on by one agency or branch of government.

Rather, it necessitates a team effort from the public and business sectors, as well as from international organizations, communities, and individuals.

Therefore, “I solicit continued support from all stakeholders. Together, with a common vision, to come win this fight against human trafficking,” he charged listeners.” ⁣

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Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, stated that more effort needs to be done through strengthened partnerships.

She said, “Now, today offers us the collective opportunity to deepen partnership; ensure that interventions and activities align with the National Action Plan on Human trafficking; receive and deliberate on reports from all stakeholders across the various sectors at the national and sub-national levels; present the 2024/2025 national outlook for counter-trafficking initiatives in Nigeria including the presidential priorities; and share the concept of the logical framework for the Implementation of the National Action Plan for effective reporting of counter-trafficking activities in Nigeria.”⁣

Enumerating NAPTIP’s achievements in the past year—including the extradition of a high-profile human trafficker to Italy to serve her 13-year jail term—the. DG declared, “Despite our progress, human trafficking remains an ongoing threat and we hope to continue working with all our partners and stakeholders to design creative solutions for ways to understand better and tackle human trafficking.”⁣

She acknowledged the partners of NAPTIP, including the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, Expertise France, the International Organization for Migration, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and thanked the governments of Switzerland and the Netherlands through the UN Office on Drugs and Crime for their steadfast support.

Danilo Campisi, the UNODC’s deputy representative, encouraged attendees to use the meeting to reaffirm their shared resolve to not give up at nothing in the fight against human trafficking in his goodwill message.

“Let us seize this opportunity to redouble our efforts, strengthen our partnerships, and mobilize resources to protect the most vulnerable among us and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” urged Campisi.

The ambassadors of Switzerland and the Netherlands, as well as other chosen development partners and stakeholders, also sent greetings to the meeting.

The Commissioners of Women’s Affairs and Justice from each of the 36 Federation states were there as well.