Nigeria Remains Committed to Scaling Up Social Investment Programmes, Says Fagbemi

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to expanding social investment programmes to provide Nigerians with livelihood support, thereby immunising them against human trafficking.

The plan was revealed on Monday in Abuja by Chief Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, at the 26th National Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking.

He stated, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government recognises that addressing poverty and underdevelopment is critical to preventing human trafficking. Investing in people, particularly young people and the disadvantaged, alleviates the desperation that leads to exploitation abroad.”

He went on to say, “The government remains committed to scaling social investment programmes to provide livelihood support and deter potential victims from falling prey to traffickers.”

He stated, “The National Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking, established by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), serves as an important strategic coordination body. It promotes dialogue and collaboration among relevant stakeholders at both the federal and sub-national levels, allowing for the development of plans, the review of strategies, and the exchange of information on various approaches to combating human trafficking in Nigeria.

Investing in people, particularly young people and the underprivileged, reduces the desperation that leads to exploitation abroad.” The complexities of Nigeria’s counter-human trafficking efforts stem from the country’s social fabric and the crime’s transnational nature.

“Traffickers exploit people’s vulnerabilities, using poverty, a lack of education, and unemployment to entice their victims with promises of a better life. The porous nature of our borders, combined with these criminals’ sophisticated networks, makes combating this threat even more difficult.”

Fagbemi expressed regret that “Nigeria, with its rich cultures and peoples, unfortunately serves as a source, transit, and destination country for victims of human trafficking.” This threat has caused significant damage to Nigeria’s reputation and profile in the international community. The statistics paint a bleak picture, but behind each figure are the stories of those whose freedom and dignity have been shattered. Despite these challenges, hope persists, and we must reverse this ugly trend.

He did, however, acknowledge Nigeria’s outstanding efforts in operating a unique counter-trafficking model, which other African countries have emulated. Nigeria has demonstrated its commitments not only through a high number of convictions, but also by successfully rescuing and rehabilitating thousands of victims, as well as strategic preventive measures.”

He admitted that the fight against human trafficking cannot be carried out by a single agency or branch of government, but rather requires a collaborative effort involving civil society, the private sector, international organisations, communities, and the general public.

He stated, “I therefore call upon everyone to join hands in this critical fight.” This global threat necessitates a comprehensive and meaningful response at all levels. As a result, cooperation, communication, and information sharing with our international partners are critical in determining the timeliness and effectiveness of anti-human trafficking responses.”

The Justice Minister stated, “I am aware that the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria (2022-2026) specifies the roles of all actors.” I encourage everyone to not only read the document with a particular interest in the thematic areas covered by their respective mandates, but also to ensure effective implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

“Furthermore, in accordance with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Presidential Priorities as they relate to the mandate of NAPTIP, I implore all stakeholders to work together to meet these priorities. “Furthermore, in accordance with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Presidential Priorities as they relate to the mandate of NAPTIP, I implore all stakeholders to work together to meet these priorities.

Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Prof Fatima Waziri – Azi, stated that since the last meeting in April 2022, a lot has been accomplished in the fight against human trafficking in the country, including:
“We have not just inched forward; we have charged ahead with determination. We have seen the incredible power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment of countless people who have banded together to combat the injustice of human trafficking. We achieved several firsts in 2023 as a result of these collaborative efforts.”

Waziri-Azi, who highlighted the agency’s numerous firsts in 2023, added, “We received and investigated 968 human trafficking complaints. There were 507 (68.1%) internal and 303 (31.9%) external trafficking complaints.

“In terms of prosecution, 86 cases were filed in court and 67 convictions were obtained.

“We rescued, received, and supported 2112 victims (473 men and 1,639 women). Females accounted for 77.6% of all victims, with 43.4% being children.

Benue State had the most indigenes rescued in 2023, followed by Edo, Ondo, and Akwa Ibom.

“Rescued and received 47 victims of inward trafficking, primarily from West African countries.”

“We have already secured 14 convictions in 2024 and counting, with 243 cases pending in various courts across the country.”

She stated that the agency has identified emerging trends and patterns in human trafficking for 2023 and that by 2024, “we are already seeing incremental cases of trafficking to Vietnam for labour exploitation.”

The DG stated, “We are grateful to the Swiss and Dutch governments, through UNODC, for making this two-day event possible.” Thank you to our partners ICMPD, Expertise France, IOM, and OHCRH for moderating sessions during this 2-day programme.