The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have renewed calls for stronger, coordinated national action to combat human trafficking in Nigeria.
The renewed commitment was made on Wednesday at the second policy-level meeting on human trafficking, convened under the Switzerland-funded project From Policy to Action: Implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking (2022–2026). The meeting reviewed Nigeria’s progress, identified implementation gaps and discussed strategies to strengthen data-driven, community-focused responses.
Representing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Director of Planning and Research, Victoria Ojogbana, underscored the urgency of scaling up national action against trafficking. Fagbemi noted that thousands of Nigerians remain trapped in modern slavery, exploited through forced labour, sexual exploitation and other degrading practices.
He warned that traffickers are increasingly deploying new technologies and tactics, stressing that Nigeria must adopt adaptive, bottom-up approaches—especially at the sub-national level. He highlighted the launch of the National Counter-Trafficking Dashboard, Africa’s first real-time anti-trafficking data platform, describing it as a major milestone for transparency and coordination.
Despite recorded progress, the AGF expressed concern over Nigeria’s continued Tier 2 ranking in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report, citing weaknesses in victim protection, screening, corruption, and shelter services. He called for immediate action on key recommendations, including the prosecution of officials complicit in trafficking, better frontline training, stronger victim screening, and activation of the Victim’s Trust Fund.
NAPTIP Director General, Hajiya Binta Adamu Bello, said the meeting provides a platform for policymakers to assess progress and set priorities for strengthening Nigeria’s counter-trafficking response. She highlighted grassroots-focused initiatives, including the establishment of 223 school Vanguards for early warning and awareness, the creation of legal hubs to expand access to justice, and new partnerships with local governments and community security groups.
Bello also noted major capacity-building efforts, including training of 1,000 teachers and principals as peer educators, upgrades of liaison offices to full state commands, and strengthened international cooperation. She added that improvements in victim care facilities, including the renovation of the Abuja Shelter and Lagos Zonal Command, have further enhanced response systems.
As the current National Action Plan nears expiration in 2026, Bello said NAPTIP is already working with partners to develop the 2027–2031 plan and domesticate the ECOWAS TIP+ strategy to Nigeria’s context.
UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, emphasized the crucial role of local governments in combating trafficking. He said improved data systems, cross-border cooperation and evidence-based planning must begin at the grassroots, where the majority of victims are targeted. He reaffirmed UNODC’s long-standing support for Nigeria’s anti-trafficking and anti-smuggling efforts.
Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff, reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting NAPTIP and UNODC. He stressed that strong political endorsement is vital for the successful implementation of the National Action Plan, adding that measurable action, sustained partnership and victim-centered interventions must remain at the heart of Nigeria’s anti-trafficking strategy.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to intensify collaboration, strengthen institutions, and ensure that Nigeria moves decisively from policy to action in tackling human trafficking.
