Hundreds of people took to the streets of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Monday, in a vibrant demonstration against human trafficking. The march was organized by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and saw participation from its staff representing 23 states across the country. The primary objective of the march was to raise public awareness about the grave dangers of human trafficking.
The event garnered broad support, with representatives from various organizations like the International Organization on Migration (IOM), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and others joining the walk. The occasion also held special significance as it marked both the 20th Anniversary of NAPTIP and the 2023 World Day Against Human Trafficking.
Led by the Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, the march proceeded through major streets in Abuja, starting from the Old Parade Ground and culminating at the Unity Fountain in the Central Business District. Alongside the NAPTIP officials were representatives from Development Partners, members of Civil Society Organizations, sister Law Enforcement Agencies, Directors of the Agency, Zonal and State Commanders of NAPTIP, and other stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering at the end of the march, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi emphasized that the event aimed to create widespread awareness about human trafficking and related crimes. The goal was to empower Nigerians with adequate information to resist the tactics employed by human traffickers and ultimately combat the menace effectively. She expressed her appreciation for the presence and efforts of all the partners and participants who made it to the termination point and called for continued collaborative efforts to eradicate human trafficking from the country.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, represented by Mr. Danilo Capisi, the Deputy Country Representative of UNODC, highlighted the significance of the theme for the 2023 World Day Against Human Trafficking: “Reach every victim of trafficking – leave no one behind.” He stressed the importance of fulfilling the promises of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by taking urgent actions to prevent human trafficking and safeguard the vulnerable.
Additionally, Mr. Abdulganiyu Abubakar, the National President of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour (NACTAL), sent a goodwill message to the attendees, further underscoring the importance of collective efforts in the fight against human trafficking.
The celebration reached its peak with a parade led by members of the State Task Forces Against Human Trafficking, along with commanders and representatives from various Civil Society Organizations. The united front displayed during the march and subsequent activities demonstrated the commitment of all stakeholders to combatting human trafficking and protecting the rights and safety of all individuals affected by this heinous crime.
