Lagos State government has said it is considering partnering with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in finding solutions to the issue of human trafficking and migration displacement.
The state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, revealed this when a team from NCFRMI, led by the Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Hon. Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, paid him a courtesy visit.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, received the team on behalf of the governor.
The governor lamented the negative image human trafficking has given the country. He promised that the state government is willing to provide all necessary support to the commission to stop human trafficking.
“The commission can change the negative narrative of our country in terms of what a tiny percentage of us do negatively, and some people who take advantage of our young people, who are unknown to them.
“As a government, we will assist you with whatever you need. We want the support to be tangible and impactful, not only to the displaced or the migrants but also to the children across the country,” he said.
He charged the commission with advocating sign language, stressing that Nigerians must be able to communicate through sign language when in distress, particularly signs of kidnapping. He added that such signs must be known by the general public, security agencies, airport attendants, and children.
He further urged the commission to enlighten Nigerian youths about the realities of migrating to Europe and other Western countries, highlighting that these regions do not necessarily promise a better life.
Sanwo-Olu added that the recent visa ban and all other policies put in place are to prevent Nigerian youth from indiscriminate immigration due to the wrong impression they have about Nigeria.
Earlier, the Federal Commissioner, Tijjani Aliu Ahmed, said that the team chose Lagos as the venue for its November meeting because of the support it has been receiving from the Lagos State government.
He said the visit’s purpose is to solicit the assistance of the Lagos State Government for the meeting, which will have participants from other African and European countries. He added that the meeting would address the issue of human trafficking on the continent.
