EUROPEAN Union says it will fund two new projects to further combat the menace of human trafficking in Nigeria.
Mr Franklin Nguendia, EU Migration Liaison Officer, said this on Monday in Abuja at a policy high level meeting on the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Human Trafficking in Nigeria.
The meeting was being organised by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).
Nguendia said the interventions included a national project which focused on Nigeria and a regional project covering West Africa.
The projects are: “Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria (Component 3)” worth 8 million Euro and has started since Oct. 1, and the “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa Phase 2,” covering ECOWAS, it’s members and Mauritania.
He said the 32,430 Euro regional project was signed in May, adding that it would be implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
According to him, the project will support border management, and the fight against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants both at ECOWAS and national levels.
He said the national project focussing on Nigeria would be implemented by UNODC and International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP).
The project, he said would support the fight against human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.
Mr Cheikh Toure, the Country Representative, UNODC Nigeria, said the meeting aimed at transforming policies into action, adding that the meeting was also part of the discussion to actualised the NAP 2022-2026.
Represented by Danilo Campisi, the Deputy Country Representative, UNODC, Toure commended the efforts of NAPTIP in combating human trafficking in Nigeria.
He said the agency dedication has been essential in making significant progress toward eradicating the crime, and commended the Government of Switzerland for its support to Nigeria.
Toure said that NAPTIP and Swiss government commitment to the fight against human trafficking underscored the global significance of the issue, and the necessity for continued collaboration at all levels.
“As many of you know, UNODC has been a longstanding partner in helping Nigeria address the threats posed by Transnational Organised Crime (TOC), including human trafficking.
“Our mandate as the custodian of the protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially of women and children, is to enhance capacities to tackle these challenges and to foster international cooperation, with a focus on building effective criminal justice systems.
“This high level meeting is crucial, as it unites key decision making and stakeholders who play a significant role in the successful implementation NAP 2022-2026. It marks an important transition from developing the NAP to effectively putting it into action.
“Today, we will review reports on counter-human trafficking efforts from key ministries, departments and agencies; identify priority actions for 2025, and engage in interactive sessions to gather valuable feedback,” he said.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, reitrated commitment of President Bola Tinubu to tackle human trafficking, adding that over 40 million people were affected worldwide.
Fagbemi, who was represented by Mrs Roselyn Tacha, Director, Citizens Rights Department, Ministry of Justice, said human trafficking had continue to flourish across the globe.
According to him, the federal government is fully committed to tackle the menace, adding that the government was partnering relevant agencies to dismantle the menace in Nigeria.
Also, Mrs Binta Adamu-Bello, Director-General, NAPTIP, said that combating human trafficking required a coordinated response that brings together all arms of government and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
She said the meeting was designed to serve as a yearly platform where stakeholders collectively review reports, plan, assess progress recorded in the fight against human trafficking as well as nd identify existing gaps.
Bello said that it also provide a platform for stakeholders to have in-depth discussions, share insights and chart the way forward for the next phase of implementation.
According to her, NAP is an ambitious and comprehensive framework with clear goals for the eradication of human trafficking in Nigeria, adding that its success depends on the commitment and collaboration of every institution and individual represented at the meeting.
