NAPTIP Promises Improved Strategies To Combat Evolving Trend Of Human Trafficking

Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has pledged that the Agency will continue to develop new strategies, expand cooperation, and foster greater collaboration to keep up with the changing trends in human trafficking.

She made the commitment in Abuja while unveiling the activities planned for the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which is themed “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons.”

The United Nations General Assembly established World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in December 2013 to be observed annually on July 30th to promote comprehensive, coordinated, and consistent responses to human trafficking at the national, regional, and international levels. It aims to promote a human rights-based, gender- and age-sensitive approach to addressing all factors that put people at risk of trafficking, as well as to strengthen the criminal justice response required to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators.

According to the United Nations, the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking encourages accelerated action to end child trafficking, recognising that children make up a sizable proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.

Waziri-Azi revealed that the activities for the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria are being planned in collaboration with UNODC, IOM, ICMPD, and OHCHR, and will take place from Saturday, July 28 to Sunday, August 4, 2024. She stated that the programs were carefully chosen to reflect the theme of the celebration, emphasising that “these activities aim to create the needed awareness and impactful sensitisation to address the concerns of all and reduce the vulnerability of potential trafficking victims.”

Wazir-Azi stated: “I am pleased to report that our activities and interventions in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria are inclusive, involving a wide range of stakeholders. For the first time, NAPTIP will celebrate World Day alongside the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP), our counterpart agency from The Gambia.”

She revealed that the celebration will begin on Saturday, July 27, 2024, with a female novelty match to “Kick Against Human Trafficking” involving NAPTIP officers and partners at the Wakanda Games Arena, Accra Street, Wuse Zone 5, at 8:00 a.m. On Monday, July 29, 2024, a Community Town Hall Dialogue will allow community stakeholders to express their opinions and concerns, promoting engagement, transparency, problem-solving, inclusivity, and community cohesion. The dialogue would be broadcast live on Radio Nigeria at 10.30 a.m.

“On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 7:30 a.m., an Awareness Walk will begin at the Old Parade Ground and proceed through major routes in Abuja’s Central Business District, ending at the Unity Fountain. State Human Trafficking Task Forces from 23 Nigerian states will participate. “We have scheduled a Bootcamp for all State Task Force members from Wednesday, July 31 to Friday, August 2, 2024,” Prof. Waziri-Azi added.

Other planned activities include the Survivor’s Got Talent Grand Finale, sensitisation and awareness-raising in religious and public spaces, and a robust online awareness campaign.

Waziri-Azi urged everyone to work together with the Agency to ensure a successful 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons celebration.”Let us step up our efforts, strengthen our resolve, and work tirelessly to create a world in which every child can thrive in safety and dignity. “We can and must work together to ensure that no child falls behind in this critical fight,” said the Director-General.