NAPTIP To Build 6 Support Centres For Victims Of Trafficking

Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello has said her administration would construct six victims’ support centres (shelters with skills acquisition facilities) for returned and rescued victims of trafficking in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country to cater for their maximum rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration into society.

The DG also promised to develop a more efficient and cooperative system for the identification and return of trafficking victims in the European Union countries and improve relations with partners.

The DG made the remarks at the EU Member States’ Immigration Liaison Officers meeting, held at the premises of the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in Abuja, according to a statement issued by NAPTIP’s communication officer, Adekoye Vincent. The meeting was presided over by the EU Ambassador-designate, Gautier Mignot, with the liaison officers of all member states’ of the EU in attendance.

Bello promised the “Renovation and supply of equipment to existing shelters; Conducting joint cross-border operations targeting trafficking routes; Expansion of cooperations with neighbouring countries; Capacity Building of personnel especially Investigators and Intelligence officers; counsellor and caregivers; and prosecutors.

“Improve the technology capacity for tracking and analysing trafficking data and forensics. Improve NAPTIP’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges such as cyber-trafficking and the use of digital platforms for recruitment and exploitation.

“Developing a common front to prevent, fight and suppress trafficking in persons especially women and children through impactful and evidence-based awareness campaigns; Promoting friendly co-operation amongst parties with a view to attaining streamlined Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA), end-to-end investigation, prosecution of traffickers and asset recovery.”

She said her office would improve research activities focused on combating human trafficking; evacuation of Nigerian victims of trafficking trapped in different countries that are willing to return home.

The DG stated that the Nigerian government through NAPTIP, will continue to double its efforts, strategies, and policy implementation in line with the priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration to tackle all forms of human trafficking in the country.

In his remarks, the EU ambassador-designate commended the DG for the modest achievements of the agency, adding that the fight against human trafficking is a global priority that deserves the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.

The high point of the meeting was an interactive session involving all participants where more clarification on the operations and activities of NAPTIP, were sought.