NACTAL tasks governments to tackle human trafficking head-on

The Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Lagos State chapter, in partnership with the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP), has urged the federal and state governments to tackle and eradicate human trafficking.

Lagos State Co-ordinator, NACTAL, Morenike Omaiboje, who stated this, yesterday, at a media briefing in commemoration of 2022 World Day Against Trafficking In Persons held in Lagos, said the theme focused on the role of technology both as a tool that can empower and at the same time hinder or prevent human trafficking.

She noted that the emergence of COVID-19 aided the increase in the use of technology, saying that as a result of the pandemic, opportunities arose for traffickers to intensify their exploitative acts to groom and recruit unsuspecting victims by communicating among their networks to hide proceeds and operate internationally with impunity.

Omaiboje, who stressed the importance and positive impact of technology but lamented the abuse of technology by traffickers, said: “The Internet and digital platforms offer traffickers numerous tools to recruit, groom, advertise, exploit, control victims, reach out to potential clients, communicate among perpetrators and hide criminal proceeds.

“On our part as a network, we will continue to highlight the safe use of the Internet to protect victims, enhance access to justice for them, report all forms of exploitation, and grooming, expose trafficking networks and support the innovation of technology-based solutions to combat and counter-trafficking.”

According to her, the network will encourage the use of social media to the advantage of young and vulnerable Nigerians by raising awareness and intensifying efforts to ensure that youths are exposed to up-to-date information in making decisions in their quest for greener pastures.

Also, Executive Director, Human Development Initiatives (HDI), Mrs. Folusho Owasanoye, represented by a member of the initiative, Sanmi Johnson, said all traffickers had gone techy hence, stakeholders, religious leaders need to amplify their voices.

Executive Director, Children Emergency Relief Foundation, Mrs. Abosede Oyeleye said most of the trafficking victims or survivors had been intensified due to ignorance.

Oyeleye, therefore, urged governments to partner with the network and use the machinery of governance in sensitising people and increasing the capacity of agencies like NAPTIP.