Nigeria Ramps Up National Campaign Against Human Trafficking
NiDCOM and NAPTIP leaders call for tougher penalties and stronger inter-agency collaboration to curb trafficking crimes.
A renewed call for a coordinated, national offensive against human trafficking was issued during a high-level meeting in Abuja between the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
NiDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, emphasized the need for a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach to combat trafficking, urging stronger penalties for offenders and closer cooperation among key government agencies. Speaking at the commission’s headquarters during a strategy session with NAPTIP Director-General Binta Bello, Dabiri-Erewa called for the public exposure and prosecution of traffickers to deter the crime.
“Human trafficking continues to plague our communities,” she said. “We must escalate our response by naming, shaming, and ensuring traffickers face the full weight of the law.”
She highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration between NiDCOM, NAPTIP, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and other stakeholders. Dabiri-Erewa also advocated for enhanced funding and policy reforms to strengthen NAPTIP’s operational capacity.
Acknowledging progress in recent years, Dabiri-Erewa credited the efforts of various partners—including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Nigerian diaspora groups, Wema Bank, and several NGOs—in supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of trafficking victims.
“We must continue promoting safe and legal migration pathways,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to youth protection and diaspora engagement.
In her remarks, Bello praised NiDCOM’s contributions, especially in facilitating the recent rescue of 231 Nigerians from Ghana. She recounted disturbing recent cases, including the rescue of 19 pregnant girls from a single estate in Abuja and the repatriation of nine girls from Côte d’Ivoire.
“These are just a few examples of the horrors we face,” Bello said. “Public awareness, strong alliances, and consistent action are vital to ending this scourge.”
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying joint efforts, with Bello pledging NAPTIP’s continued dedication to protecting Nigerians from trafficking and exploitation.
The meeting underscores a broader call for urgent, united action to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
