The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has emphasized the need for a dual approach of prevention and prosecution as essential strategies to effectively eradicate human trafficking in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking at the award ceremony of the third edition of the IOM short film contest on combatting trafficking in persons, held Thursday in Abuja, the IOM Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Paola Pace, stressed that both dismantling criminal networks and reducing vulnerability to exploitation are key pillars in the fight against trafficking.
The contest formed part of activities marking the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, themed “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation.” The event attracted dozens of film submissions from young Nigerians, spotlighting real-life and fictional accounts of trafficking and its impact.
“In order to eradicate trafficking, you must work simultaneously on prevention and prosecution,” Pace said. “Freezing traffickers’ assets and redirecting those funds to support survivors is a critical step. But we must also reduce the number of people lured by false promises.”
Pace praised the growing engagement of Nigerian youth in counter-trafficking advocacy through storytelling. She noted that submissions to the contest have increased from 40 in its inaugural year to 80 this year — a signal of rising awareness and interest in the issue.
She also advocated stronger institutional collaboration, including through the Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission, and highlighted the importance of narrative-driven public awareness efforts in creating long-term change.
Director of Public Enlightenment at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Kehinde Akomolafe, lauded the IOM’s contributions to capacity building and public sensitisation. She revealed that NAPTIP has secured over 700 trafficking convictions since inception and has rescued and empowered more than 20,000 victims.
Akomolafe stressed the importance of increasing awareness, particularly at the community level, noting that traffickers are often trusted individuals such as relatives or employers. “The ignorance of victims remains a major barrier. We must break the culture of silence,” she said.
The event also celebrated winners of the short film contest. Babalola Oluwatobi took first place and a $2,500 prize for his film “The Hostage.” He underscored the power of storytelling in advocacy: “People often overlook the role of those closest to them in perpetuating trafficking. That’s where awareness must begin.”
Jayeoba David claimed second place with “Promise Beyond the Border” and a $1,500 prize, while Ndulue Emmanuel took third with “Click the Link,” earning $1,000.
Initiated in 2023, the IOM short film contest has become an annual platform to inspire youth-driven advocacy and strengthen public engagement in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
