… AS ECOWAS DONATES BASIC NEEDS TO SURVIVORS IN NIGERIA
The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, OON, has called on State and Non-State Actors across the Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to rise with renewed cooperation and synergy and ensure that human trafficking is eradicated from the Region.
She made the call in Abuja during the flag-off of the donation of food items purchased under the ECOWAS-supported project aimed at the protection of victims of human trafficking in the region.
The NAPTIP Director-General whose strategic engagement and advocacy with all stakeholders and partners, has continued to attract support and collaboration since she assumed Office, observed that due to the clandestine nature of human trafficking and the vulnerability of the West African Region, there is an urgent need to take a significant step towards strengthening collective efforts among member states in the fight against human trafficking in West Africa.
She said, “The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has always recognized the critical need for collaboration to effectively combat human trafficking and provide the necessary support to the victims of this heinous crime. Our partnership with the ECOWAS Commission has been instrumental in enhancing our capacity to protect victims and provide them with comprehensive care.
“Through the generous support of the ECOWAS Commission, we have received on behalf of victims of human trafficking in Nigeria, supply of food items and other basic needs for the victims to give credence to the implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Policy on Protection and Assistance to Victims of Trafficking in Persons. This initiative serves as a vital framework for the region, guiding us in offering standardized, effective care and assistance to trafficking victims.
“The tripartite collaboration among ECOWAS as the donor, IOM as the implementer, and NAPTIP as the beneficiary is a clear demonstration of how collective action can result in meaningful change. The donation of food items today is just one example of a commitment to ensuring that victims of human trafficking in the ECOWAS Member States receive the protection and support they deserve.
“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to ECOWAS for their unwavering support, to IOM for their efficient implementation, and to all of you for your continued dedication to this cause. Together, we can build a future where human trafficking no longer thrives in our communities”, Binta Adamu Bello stated.
In their remarks, the Nigeria Permanent Representative to ECOWAS represented by Mr. Ehi Hillary Iyinbo, and the Representative of the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, ECOWAS, Mr. Olatunde Olayemi
In their remarks, commended the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello for her leadership style which has continued to result in improved collaboration and modest achievement for the Agency and Government of Nigeria.
He said, “NAPTIP has been a model, not just within the West Africa Region, but within Africa and beyond. We know this because we have continued to study the Agency and have noted their achievements and promoted them outside Nigeria. The DG of NAPTIP while in Liberia, was the chair of the ECOWAS focal group on Human Trafficking and of course, she not only chaired excellently, she also assisted us in driving through many of the outcomes of the various engagements”, Mr. Olayemi said.
In her remarks, the Chief of Mission, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Paola Pace, said “As IOM, I really believe that we have a responsibility to support our member states to really eliminate trafficking in persons. It is a crime.
“So, we really need more in terms of protection of victims and survivors and rebuilding their lives to overcome the terrible exploitation they went through. But it is also important that we continue to work on prevention as well as freezing bank accounts of the traffickers and prosecution of the network”, she said.
The Nigeria Permanent Representative to ECOWAS represented by Mr. Ehi Hillary Iyinbo, also gave a goodwill message at the event.
Items donated in large quantities include food items, consumables, basic needs of the victims like clothing, welcome packs for rescued victims, and others.