It is not often that one has the pleasure to meet an astute public servant, especially at a time where those stellar qualities are limited and in gradual decline. So, when we do, it is imperative to celebrate them and acknowledge their stewardship. Exemplary stewardship is not just about managing resources; it’s about leading with integrity, inspiring trust, and ensuring that every action serves the greater good.
That Nigeria is in dire need of cerebral and exemplary leadership is no longer news, what should make headline news however is when one comes across public servants who distinguish themselves in their assignment. Excellent leadership should not be the exception but the norm, that’s the only way our public service institutions can become strong and resilient.
Exemplary stewardship in the public service is responsible, ethical, and effective management of public resources and services. It is a commitment to serving the public good with integrity, accountability, and transparency. It is ensuring that decisions and actions are made transparently and that officials are answerable for their conduct and stewardship.
It is using resources including time, money, and personnel effectively to achieve desired outcomes without waste. It is addressing the needs and concerns of the community one serves promptly and effectively. It is acting with honesty and integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest, and making decisions based on the public interest rather than personal gain.
Exemplary leadership is the ability to consider the long-term impacts of decisions and ensure that resources are managed in a way that preserves them for future generations. This involves balancing immediate needs with future goals. It is ensuring that all voices and perspectives are considered in decision-making processes by actively working to engage diverse communities and address inequalities.
An example worthy of acknowledgement is that of Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, PhD.
A Record of Academic and Professional Excellence
Prof Fatima Waziri–Azi, PhD, is a Professor of Public Law at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies; an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom), a Notary Public for Nigeria; a distinguished academic, a published author, a legal practitioner, and human rights activist.
Prior to her appointment as Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in September 2021, she was the Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Rule of Law, Office of the Vice President from 2019 to 2021.
Prof Waziri–Azi, has a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; a Barrister at-law Degree from the Nigerian Law School Lagos; Masters of Law Degree in International Law and Human Rights, from St Thomas University School of Law, Miami–Florida, USA; a Doctor of Juridical Science Degree (PhD in Law) from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Pittsburgh–Pennsylvania State, USA; and a Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program, Boston-Massachusetts, USA.
Her past work experiences include Attorney & Program Officer at Human Rights Law Service; Legal Associate at the New York City, Administration of Children Services, Division of Legal Services; Legal Fellow at Transparency International USA, (Washington, D.C.); Researcher at the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC). Prof Waziri-Azi is the 2022 recipient of the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Sheth International Young Alumni Achievement Award.
In 2016 she founded the Safe Haven Foundation, an organisation dedicated to the protection of women and children. She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association; New York County Lawyers Association, Association of Women in Development; Women in International Security and the International Scrabble Club.
Selected Stellar Achievements
In the three years since Prof. Waziri-Azi was appointed as DG NAPTIP; she has ensured 190 human trafficking convictions from January 2022 to August 2024 representing 27.94% of total convictions secured by NAPTIP in 21 years. This includes the conviction of a law enforcement officer for human trafficking; and three mutual legal assistance cases between Nigeria and Belgium, Spain and Italy.
During her stewardship, NAPTIP has also begun the prosecution of the first-ever Trafficking in Persons for Organ Harvesting case in Nigeria and recorded an increase in the rescue and rehabilitation of victims, surpassing previous records in 21 years. The agency now provides welcome packs for victims of human trafficking and sexual and gender-based violence to help them settle back into normal life.
The agency has expanded its commands into 33 out of 36 States with the establishment of offices in Taraba, Kwara, Kebbi, Ogun, Jigawa, Zamfara, Ondo, Bauchi and 6 Liaison offices were upgraded to State commands that is Plateau, Yobe, Gombe, Rivers, Kaduna, Katsina.
There is improved donor support for NAPTIP through efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability with the provision of additional operational vehicles from donor partners within 2 years, development of the NAPTIP Ireporter App. which is available on the Apple Store and Google Play Store; development of the NAPTIP Learning Management System- One-stop shop for digital training for NAPTIP officers; renovation of the NAPTIP Training Resource Centre, male and female Detention Centres at the headquarters and NAPTIP shelters across the country.
Her leadership prioritised prevention through education amongst young people with the establishment of Anti-Human Trafficking and Violence Against Persons Vanguards in 154 schools across Nigeria from June 2022 to July 2024 and introduced regular mental health and trauma counselling sessions for Officers to improve their productivity and overall wellness.
On the human resources side, she helped secure the increment and implementation of peculiar and rent allowance for NAPTIP officers by 25% and 50% respectively by the Federal Government and employment of 4 victims of human trafficking in 2023.
NAPTIP now boasts of a Survivors Co-Mentoring Series for victims of human trafficking and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence; a Cybersecurity Response Team (N-CRT) and a Conversation with NAPTIP digital forum live streamed via the Agency’s social media handles to converse with the public on the work of the Agency and to elicit feedback.
The agency is leveraging media channels, including producing short films and skits, to enhance awareness. It has partnered with Meta to launch Amber Alert Nigeria on Facebook and Instagram, aiming to assist in locating abducted children by sending alerts to the news feeds of people in targeted search areas across Nigeria.
The agency also launched the NAPTIP Disability Policy on July 27, 2023. With the support of the Ford Foundation, piloted the production of the Trafficking in Persons Act, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and other IEC materials in braille, audiovisual for the hearing and visually impaired and employment of 5 persons living with disability.
Excellence in Public Service is Possible
Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi’s stewardship at NAPTIP is evidence that change can happen when public servants are committed to building strong institutions even in weak states. Her dedication to the service of humanity particularly those vulnerable to human trafficking and violence is a demonstration of how ethical leadership is possible even when it is not the norm.
Exemplary stewardship enhances public trust and ensures that government actions effectively support the well-being and development of society. It is a whole of society approach not service for the benefit of only those who share similar ideologies, religion, ethnicity or politics.
Her story should serve as an example and encouragement for those currently in or aspiring to leadership positions, demonstrating that the state of the country should not be an excuse for poor performance or for failing to stand up for what is right.
