The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dr Fatima Waziri – Azi, has called for an increased efficiency in the Prosecution and Justice administration of cases of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in Courts across the Country, in order to serve as deterrent and reduce impunity associated with the phenomenon.
Dr. Fatima Waziri – Azi said that it is clearly evident that Trafficking in Persons offences created under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, (TIPPEA) 2015, are serious offences which have a nexus with national security and stability of the nation and as such, require the full cooperation of both the Bar and the bench in addressing the menace.
The Director General stated this in Abuja at the commencement of a two day Judges and Prosecutors Conference on Human Trafficking, a statement by Adekoye Vincent, Press Officers, NAPTIP disclosed.
The conference is a component of a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the International and Ibero – American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP) under the Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria (A-TIPSOM).
The NAPTIP Director General told the participants that “The objective of this conference is to create awareness among legal practitioners and the Judiciary on the current ills and trends of Human Trafficking as well as analyse the various elements of TIP offences thereby, ensuring seamless investigation, effective prosecution and more conviction of human trafficking cases.
“To create an avenue whereby the Judges and Prosecutors share experience on issues of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants for a better understanding of the crime and proffering ways of addressing it. To encourage strict punishment to offenders of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants by Courts to serve as deterrent to offenders.
“To encourage the award of compensation and restitution to Victims of Human Trafficking by the Courts across the Country. To sensitize Judges on the ills of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria.”
She pointed out that at the end of the well – attended conference which was the first of its kind since the establishment of the Agency, NAPTIP, she hoped to get increased efficiency in the Prosecution and Justice Administration of cases of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in Courts across the Country.
She also hoped that there will be, “Improved protection for Victims of Human Trafficking by the Courts; Increased awareness on the effect of Trafficking in Persons to the society, Increased output on the conviction rate in cases of Trafficking in persons and Smuggling of Migrants.
“Increased Knowledge on Trafficking in Persons offences amongst the Judges and Prosecutors as well as enhance speedy dispensation of justice especially on human trafficking cases”, Dr Waziri – Azi stated.
While appreciated the European Union and FIIAPP for funding the project and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for its roles in actualizing the initiative, Dr, Waziri Azi described the A-TIPSOM as a reliable project in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
Speaking at the conference, Team Leader, A-TIPSOM, Mr. Rafeal Rios Molino said the conference was designed to enhance interface between prosecutors and Judges, in order to accelerate prosecution of human trafficking cases and ensure that justice is diligently served on perpetrator.
He promised that FIIAPP will continue to support any initiative aimed at eradicating human trafficking in Nigeria.
In his speech at the Conference, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, acknowledged the synergy between NJI and NAPTIP which, according to him, has contributed in expanding the knowledge base of Judicial Officers.
“The workshop could not have come at a better time given the critical role the judiciary has been playing in resolving emerging challenges faced in resolving issues of trafficking in persons in Nigeria.
“It will not be out of place to say that NAPTIP faces an uphill task in surmounting challenges of trafficking in persons, especially in the current state of the economy. This year’s retreat presents yet another opportunity for the participants to refresh and update their knowledge on current issues bothering on trafficking in persons.
“It is a vital fact that this kind of interactions between the Judiciary and NAPTIP are necessary, as the critical role the Judiciary is expected to play in resolving emerging challenges faced in resolving these issues of trafficking in persons Nigeria is brought to the front burner for discussion.
“Stakeholders must synergize to tackle the rising menace that this development throws up and curb this ugly trend. I have no doubt that the Judiciary is fully aware of the weighty responsibilities hanging on its shoulders, and it will not rest on its oars as we continue to strive to do our best in the prevailing circumstance to discharge them with vigor, truth and dignity”, the Administrator of the NJI said.
