Abimbola Adewumi, UNODC Team Leader, Trafficking in Persons/Smuggling of Migrants Portfolio, gave the advice on Tuesday in Abuja, at the inaugural ceremony of the annual peer review for state taskforces on human trafficking.

 

The event centered on:  “Boot camp for state task forces on human trafficking and launch of a compendium of good practices in commemoration of the 2023 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

 

The boot camp which was organised by NAPTIP, in collaboration with UNODC, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Expertise France, UNHCR, A-TIPSOM Nigeria, UNHR, and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), began on July 31 and will end on Aug. 4.

 

Adewumi said, “When it comes to the response on human trafficking in Nigeria, we all have agreed that NAPTIP cannot do it all alone as a Federal Government agency.

 

“This is why the idea of the state task forces on human trafficking also evolved and when the concept evolved in the state task forces we have a combination of law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, media in some states and civil society organisations.

 

“It is a composition of different influencers within the community that makes up state task forces based on guideline NAPTIP provided for the states.

 

“This boot camp is important because it promotes peer learning and understanding from state to state, interventions within the states and to boost holistic approach to tackle trafficking.”

 

Speaking, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof.  Fatima Waziri, commended the state task forces for their commitment in combating human trafficking in Nigeria.

 

According to her, the unique contributions of the stakeholders resulted in the successes recorded , a development that has made Nigeria to retain its leading position in the fight against human trafficking globally.

 

“Together, we have made great strides in our collective efforts to eliminate this modern-day slavery and protect the vulnerable.

 

“The first and second batches of the boot camp were resounding successes, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, knowledge sharing and strategic planning.

 

“Participants from various states came together bringing their expertise and experiences to the table, resulting in comprehensive and effective strategies to counter human trafficking.

 

“The environmental scanning activities of the boot camps offered the participants ample opportunities to report trends, patterns, and manifestation of trafficking in other states and localities.

 

“This provided insights into the prevalent forms of trafficking, most endemic locations, destination countries, among other vital information,” she said.

 

In his remarks, Mr Benjamin Eneanya, Country Project Manager, Expertise France, urged the participants to reflect on success so far recorded, to be able to do more.

 

“As we gather here today, let us take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us together.

 

“It was in July 2022, we witnessed the inaugural boot camp peer review, uniting 68 participants from 9 state task forces; the historic occasion set the stage for the remarkable progress we have achieved together since then.

“Furthermore, this gathering marks the beginning of the process for the development of the 2nd edition of the STF Compendium of good practices.

“Building upon the success of the first edition, we will pool our collective knowledge, expertise, and experiences to create an even more comprehensive resource that will strengthen our fight against human trafficking,” she said.

Meanwhile, Laurent De Boeck, Chief of Mission of IOM has described human trafficking as a global issue which end  requires a holistic approach.

“The world over, trafficking in persons remains a global problem with over 40 million people being trafficked for various forms of exploitation.

“Nigeria is an important locus as a source, transit, and destination country in the trafficking process.

“IOM recognises the critical role of partnerships and coordination in tackling trafficking in persons.

“Today’s meeting presents an opportunity to strengthen the fight against trafficking in persons.

“The hosting of this meeting which involves various state task forces is a clear indication of Nigeria’s commitment to curbing trafficking in persons.

“Let me also take advantage of this opportunity to congratulate NAPTIP for celebrating 20 years of unwavering commitment to fighting human trafficking in Nigeria with so many great achievements to show for it,” he said.