The Federal Government of Nigeria has appraised the fight against human trafficking in the Country, saying that with the support of stakeholders and partners, the creation of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has not only changed the image of the Country from the worst record, but has effectively put the criminal elements on the check.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Sani – Gwarzo, stated this in a speech delivered at the Celebration and Award Ceremony organized in appreciation of individuals, corporate bodies, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Development Partners and other Stakeholders whose support had contributed to modest achievements of the Agency since the past 20 years.
The event which took place at the A Class Park and Events Centre, Maitama, Abuja, climaxed the activities to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Agency and the 2023 World Day Against Human Trafficking, a statement by NAPTIP’s Spokesperson, Adekoye Vincent disclosed.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Humanitarian, Mr. Charles Anielo, the Permanent Secretary, for the umpteenth time, declared the Federal Government of Nigeria is extremely proud of the performances of NAPTIP, adding that the Agency shall continue to receive the required support to fulfill its mandates.
He said, “In July 2003 when the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act was assented to by the President, it became obvious that Nigeria had taken the lead in the League of Nations to frontally confronting the criminal elements involved in the exploitation of vulnerable individuals within and across our borders.
“Since then, with the support of stakeholders and development partners, not only has our image as a country changed from having the worst record of human trafficking to the criminal gangs involved in human trafficking now thinking twice before they strike because they know NAPTIP, and other law enforcement agencies are diligently watching.
“For us as a Ministry mandated by the Federal Government of Nigeria to supervise the Agency, we are very proud of the achievements of the Agency within these 20 years and we congratulate the Management and personnel of the Agency for the great strides. NAPTIP, I must say at this point has become the pride of Nigeria which we are very proud to market to other countries. No wonder, many countries now visit Nigeria regularly to understudy the NAPTIP Model with a view to establishing the same in their countries.
“We are here today to celebrate modest accomplishment in the midst of myriad challenges; to celebrate 20 years of hard work; celebrate love and friendship; institutions, regional bodies, Development partners and individuals that have supported the government and people of Nigeria in this tough task of fighting human trafficking.
“This award you are receiving today is just a token of appreciation to reciprocate the love and understanding shown to us. What we have achieved in these 20 years could not have happened without you.
“Human trafficking knows no boundaries; it thrives in the shadows, exploiting vulnerabilities and preying on the marginalized and defenseless. Men, women, and children fall victim to its grasp, often subjected to unspeakable horrors and unimaginable suffering. They are robbed of their dreams, their hopes, and their right to live a life free from fear and exploitation.
“The numbers themselves are staggering. But behind these numbers are individual stories of pain and despair, stories that cry out for justice and compassion and it is our moral duty to heed these cries and stand united against this global injustice.
“It is for this reason that various administrations in Nigeria have always taken actions to demonstrate the required political will in the fight against human trafficking and providing necessary direction and support to NAPTIP and other critical stakeholders in a bid to make Nigeria a Human Trafficking and Violence Free Nation”, the Permanent Secretary said.
In her speech, the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri – Azi, expressed appreciation to partners and stakeholders who have worked with the Agency in the realization of its mandates since its creation and assured that despite the obvious challenges encountered routinely in the course of its operations, NAPTIP shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure a safer and better Nigeria.
The Director General who was elated with the turnout of guests at the ceremony said, “Today is a very special day not just for NAPTIP and Nigeria but for everyone invested in ensuring human trafficking is controlled and victims are secured across the world. So, we are very grateful to you for taking the time to join us.
“It’s been 20 years of growth for NAPTIP in an ever-changing world. Our journey has been one of immense determination, resilience, and hope. In 20 years, we have seen the crime of human trafficking evolve in terms of the enormity, trends, and patterns. However, in the face of such adversity, we have found strength in collaboration and our collective spirit and determination have brought us this far.
“We have witnessed the incredible power of cooperation and the unwavering dedication of countless individuals who have come together to combat the injustice of human trafficking. Today we pay tribute to each and every person and we celebrate the numerous lives that have been transformed, the futures that have been rewritten, and the hope that has been restored.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the ones who came before me, my predecessors who dared to imagine a better world and had the vision, and courage to pioneer some initiatives that have been built upon over the years which have positioned NAPTIP where it is today. I salute you all.
“The endeavor of our implementing partners, the donor community, members of the Diplomatic Corp, civil society organizations, the academia, our sister law enforcement agencies, the Media, all stakeholders, and supporters, thank you for the many lives your actions have helped support and sustain. It is a testament to the power of collective action, reminding us that when we stand together, united in our purpose and driven by a common passion, there is no challenge too great to overcome. May life be kind to you, always.
“Since 2003, NAPTIP has progressed from its very first command in Benin, Edo State to offices in 32 states and a task force against human trafficking in 22 states.
“We have made progress in our criminal justice response with a significant increase in convictions (624 Convictions since the first conviction was secured in 2006; 80 convictions in 2022 the highest in a single year since the inception of NAPTIP and 48 convictions and counting in 2023) including for the first time the conviction of a law enforcement officer for human trafficking offenses; prosecution of several mutual legal assistance cases and on March 8, 2023, the extradition of a high profile human trafficker to Italy to serve out her 13 years jail term.
“Our recent strategic partnership with Meta (owners of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) and the United States National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children has further enhanced the capacity of NAPTIP to tackle issues of online child exploitation.
“Nigeria is better poised to control and tackle human trafficking because of the collaborative efforts of everyone. Last year, with support from our supervising Ministry, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, not one but three policy documents targeted at revolutionizing the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria, including the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking (2022-2026); were approved by the Federal Executive Council.
“To keep things current, for anyone who has noticed, we have rebranded our logo, which has already been mainstreamed. The rebranded logo represents a re-commitment from NAPTIP to protect all persons against human trafficking and violence against persons through people-centered access to justice,
“As I conclude, let me especially acknowledge our amazing partners that supported the week-long NAPTIP @20 Celebration and the 2023 world day against Trafficking in persons; Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, ICMPD, UNODC, Attorney-General Alliance for Africa, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission, Expertise France, Arik Air Limited, UNICEF & FIIAP. Thank you all for your consistent support of NAPTIP.
“Let me also especially thank the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo mni, NPOM, for being exemplary in public service.
“Finally, to all NAPTIP Officers, it is truly an honor and privilege to serve as your Director General. Thank you for trusting me and thank you for all the hard work. Together, we will continue to carry out our mandate through transparency and accountability. I take pride in saying that NAPTIP has some of the finest and extraordinary human beings who have worked against all the odds that occurred in these 20 years to make what seemed impossible possible.
“With the level of disturbing trends, we see across the country, there is this sense of exhaustion and that bait to just throw in the towel and cut our losses. Well, not on our watch! because our watch is defined by us not giving up and by working tirelessly to ensure a safer and better society. And as we embark upon the next chapter of our journey, let us not forget that there is still much work to be done.
“Despite our progress, human trafficking remains an ongoing threat and we hope to continue working with all our partners and stakeholders to design creative solutions for ways to better understand and tackle human trafficking” the Director General declared amidst cheers from dignitaries.
The ceremony witnessed goodwill messages from partners including the UN Resident Coordinator to Nigeria, the Ambassador of the European Union in Nigeria, the United States Embassy, and the British High Commission.
The keynote address was delivered by the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Agency, Mrs. Carol Ndaguba, OON.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the unveiling of the newly developed policy documents of the Agency which include the NAPTIP Disability Inclusion Policy, NAPTIP Service Charter, policy documents that have been transcribed into braille for the blind in collaboration with the Disability Commission, and a brief demonstration of our remodeled app called the ireporter, and NAPTIP Learning Management System supported by the Canadian Government and lastly Audio-Visual Materials developed for use by the Blind and Deaf.
