FG Tightens Noose On Human Trafficking, Urges Stronger Subnational Action

The federal government has reiterated its firm resolve to eliminate human trafficking, pledging sustained action and strategic collaboration to combat the menace at all levels.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, stated this while declaring open the 27th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum (NSCF) on human trafficking in Abuja on Wednesday.

The event, which also marked the midterm review of Nigeria’s action plan against human trafficking (NAP 2022–2026), brought together high-level stakeholders from federal and state governments, civil society, development partners, and the international community.

He also called for an honest assessment of the implementation of the NAP and urged stakeholders to refine strategies to respond to emerging threats, especially cyber-enabled trafficking.

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. The creation of a budget line for State Task Force activities is highly recommended as it would also guarantee the institutionalisation of State Task Forces on Human Trafficking in the states.

“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.

“As we commence deliberations, I urge you all to engage with courage and creativity. The fight against human trafficking is not just about statistics or targets-it is about human dignity, freedom, justice, and national integrity.”

Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, 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 centre with German support. Yet, the road ahead requires deeper collaboration and renewed commitment at all levels,” Bello said.

Also, the Swiss Ambassador to Belgium and NATO, Jacques Pitteloud, lauded Nigeria’s progress and reaffirmed Switzerland’s long-term support.

He emphasised the need for international cooperation in addressing the 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, signalling a grassroots approach to combating trafficking,” Pitteloud said.

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

The country representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, also lauded Nigeria’s progress but stressed the need for clarity, courage, and unity in the battle against human trafficking.

“Human trafficking isn’t just a crime. It’s an assault on dignity, a drag on development, and a threat to national security.

“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 said.

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

Toure praised the DG of NAPTIP for her leadership and recognized contributions from the Attorney General, state governments, and development partners, including the EU, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, IOM, ECOWAS, ICMPD, and various CSOs.