In continuation of activities marking it’s 20th anniversary, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person, (NAPTIP), yesterday honoured key partners including The Guardian newspaper, who contributed in championing the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
Director General of the agency, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi, said the awards celebration not only recognises efforts of key partners in fighting human trafficking, but also signifies the depth of NAPTIP’s appreciation for everyone who invested in ensuring human trafficking is controlled and victims are secured across the world.
“We have witnessed the incredible power of cooperation and the unwavering dedication of countless individuals who have come together to combat the injustice of human trafficking. Today we pay tribute to each and every person and we celebrate the numerous lives that have been transformed, the futures that have been rewritten, and the hope that has been restored.
“Today is a very special day not just for NAPTIP and Nigeria but for everyone who invested in ensuring human trafficking is controlled and victims are secured across the world. So, we are very grateful to you for taking the time to join us to celebrate you.
“The endeavor of our implementing partners, the donor community, members of the diplomatic corp, civil society organizations, the academia, our sister law enforcement agencies, the Media, all stakeholders and supporters, thank you for the many lives your actions have help support and sustain.”
While presenting an award of recognition to The Guardian newspaper and other media partners for their role in fighting the scourge Professor Waziri-Azi said “As we embark upon the next chapter of our journey, lets us not forget that there is still much work to be done.
“Despite our progress, human trafficking remains an ongoing threat and we hope to continue working with all our partners and stakeholders to design creative solutions for ways to better understand and tackle human trafficking.”
The Agency also unveiled more more policy documents and innovations including NAPTIP Disability Inclusion Policy, NAPTIP Service Charter, policy documents that have been transcribed into braille for the blind in collaboration with the disability commission as well as a remodeled app called the I-reporter, and NAPTIP Learning Management System supported by the Canadian Government and lastly audio-visual materials developed for use by the blind and deaf.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Gwarzo, observed that “with the support of stakeholders and development partners, not only has our image as a country changed from having the worst record of human trafficking, the criminal gangs involved in human. trafficking now think twice before they strike because they know NAPTIP, and other law enforcement agencies are diligently watching.”
Represented by the Deputy Director, Humanitarian Affairs, Charles Anielo, the Permanent Secretary said “For us as a ministry mandated by the federal government of Nigeria to supervise NAPTIP, we are very proud of the achievements of the agency within these 20 years and we congratulate the agency.
“I must say at this point has become the pride of Nigeria which we are very proud to market to other countries. No wonder, many countries now visit Nigeria regularly to understudy the NAPTIP Model with a view to establishing same in their countries.
“Just recently, NAPTIP played host to delegation from The Republic of Niger, Cote d Ivoire and The Gambia who visited Nigeria to further strengthen the Bi- Lateral agreement and Memorandum of Understanding signed between our countries between November 2021 and June 2022
