NAPTIP Celebrates Milestones In Fight Against Human Trafficking, Gender-Based Violence

Abuja, Nigeria – The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) said it has marked significant progress in its fight against human trafficking and gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, rescuing 23,900 victims and securing 692 convictions since its inception.

Speaking at the High-Level Policy Dialogue 2024 on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Director General, Hajiya Binta Bello, highlighted NAPTIP’s achievements.

She revealed that 90% of the rescued trafficking victims were women. The agency has also established 92 offices and 40 shelters nationwide to provide safe havens for survivors.

In addition to the trafficking convictions, NAPTIP has secured 37 convictions for GBV perpetrators.

Bello emphasised the agency’s multifaceted approach, including regular training programs for law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and collaborations with international organisations and NGOs.

NAPTIP has also developed and implemented national action plans to combat human trafficking and GBV, advocating for stronger policies and legal frameworks.

“These achievements highlight NAPTIP’s unwavering commitment to creating a safer society for women and girls,” Bello stated.

She further called for increased collaboration, specifically requesting support for capacity building, expansion of shelters (including both closed and open shelters), empowerment programs for victims through vocational training and psychosocial support.

“Together, we can make significant progress in the fight against gender-based violence and build a safer, more equitable society,” she urged.

The President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of the fight against GBV and the need for continued collaboration.

She highlighted the importance of the partnership between NAPTIP and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme in amplifying the message to end violence against women and girls.

Danilo Campisi, Deputy Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), underscored the alarming statistics surrounding GBV, noting the strong link between GBV and corruption.

He stressed the need for concrete action and resources to address this global epidemic. Campisi highlighted UNODC’s commitment to combating GBV and supporting victims through various tools and resources.

The event served as a platform to assess strategies, foster collaboration, and advocate for effective implementation and monitoring of policies aimed at eradicating GBV and human trafficking in Nigeria.