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Human trafficking, a global crime profiting from vulnerability, casts a long shadow, especially over Nigeria. This grim reality prompted a pivotal gathering in Abuja, where the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), partnering with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), called for intensified, coordinated efforts to dismantle exploitation networks. ROLAND OGBONNAYA writes

The second policy-level meeting, under the Swiss-funded project “From Policy to Action: Implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Human Trafficking in Nigeria (2022–2026),” reviewed Nigeria’s progress, identified gaps, and sought a path forward with integrated, data-driven strategies. Discussions emphasised strengthening victim protection, legal frameworks, and prevention at all levels, from federal to grassroots.

Representing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, and the Director of Planning and Research, Victoria Ojogbana, delivered a message, highlighting the human cost and the imperative for a unified, holistic response. Fagbemi declared, “Statistics reveal countless individuals—men, women, and children—remain entrapped in modern-day slavery, exploited in forced labour, sexual exploitation, and other degrading circumstances… The millions of victims… remind us that the fight against trafficking is far from over and underscores the urgent need for a coordinated and multi-sectoral response.” This statement highlighted the profound injustice behind every statistic.

Fagbemi highlighted trafficking’s dynamic nature and traffickers’ adaptability, leveraging new technologies. He urged Nigeria’s response to evolve similarly, stating, “This crime evolves with time, technology, and opportunity… Hence, our approach must also evolve. Our approach must be bottom-up as most of this crime happens at the sub-national level.” This bottom-up strategy prioritises grassroots engagement, given that trafficking often originates in local communities.

Despite daunting challenges, Nigeria has made significant strides in its anti-trafficking crusade. Fagbemi noted the landmark launch of the National Counter-Trafficking Dashboard, the first of its kind in Africa.

He announced that this digital platform provides “real-time data on anti-trafficking activities across Nigeria, enhancing coordination, transparency, and accountability. It stands as a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in data-driven governance and evidence-based policy implementation.” This tool illuminates trafficking operations and provides policymakers with crucial intelligence.

However, Fagbemi candidly addressed Nigeria’s persistent Tier 2 ranking in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. He conceded, “Despite our notable progress, it is deeply regrettable that Nigeria continues to be ranked among Tier 2 countries.” He highlighted critical deficiencies: “The report identifies insufficient efforts at identifying and protecting victims, inadequate screening mechanisms, persistent corruption, and insufficient shelter and rehabilitation services, especially for male victims.” This unvarnished assessment urged introspection and action.

To address these identified gaps, Fagbemi stressed actionable recommendations for immediate implementation. He outlined priorities: “Key recommendations… include the investigation and prosecution of all credible allegations of official complicity in trafficking; enhanced training of frontline officers on standard procedures; robust screening and protection systems for vulnerable groups; scaling up prosecution for labor trafficking; strengthening NAPTIP’s operational capacity; activating the Victim’s Trust Fund; and increasing awareness in rural communities through sustained collaboration with civil society organizations.” These recommendations form a roadmap for targeted interventions.

As the current National Action Plan (2022–2026) nears its end, Fagbemi emphasised planning for its successor. He noted, “The NAP 2022–2026 is approaching the end of its implementing cycle… The next phase, the development of a new NAP, must build on the lessons of the current plan. This meeting offers a timely opportunity to reflect on our successes, assess persisting gaps, and begin shaping a more responsive, inclusive, and result-oriented framework.” This vision highlights Nigeria’s longterm commitment.

Hajiya Binta Adamu Bello, NAPTIP’s Director General, echoed Fagbemi, describing the meeting as a crucial forum for policymakers to review progress, address persistent challenges, and chart a decisive course. She stated, “This meeting provides a valuable platform for high-level policymakers… to take stock of the progress we have made, to deliberate on the challenges that persist, and to chart a decisive course for the years ahead.” She noted work plans emanate from the National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking.

Under Bello’s leadership, NAPTIP fortified grassroots preventive mechanisms by inaugurating 223 anti-trafficking and violence against persons Vanguards across the country this year. Bello stated, “NAPTIP successfully inaugurated anti-trafficking in persons and violence against persons Vanguards… bringing the total to 223 so far.”

These Vanguards serve as vital knowledge hubs, empowering youth with awareness and prevention tools, supported by student handbooks, standard operating procedures, and reporting mechanisms, investing in a resilient, informed generation.

 NAPTIP also expanded its network of five legal hubs, providing legal aid and referral services closer to victims. Bello also disclosed NAPTIP deepened grassroots partnerships through ALGON (Association of Local Governments of Nigeria), extending anti-trafficking advocacy and monitoring to all local government councils nationwide.

A formal MoU with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria further strengthens community surveillance and early detection of trafficking activities, embedding anti-trafficking efforts locally.

NAPTIP enhanced frontline response via capacity building. Bello detailed extensive training programs: “Under the STEP projects, about 1,000 teachers and school principals were trained to serve as peer educators and frontline actors… NAPTIP also trained stakeholders across the northeast and southwest.”

The agency upgraded “all NAPTIP liaison offices into full-fledged state commands, thereby improving the agency’s operational visibility and enforcement capacity across the Federation,” extending its nationwide reach.

International cooperation and infrastructure upgrades also improved victim care. Bello noted, “Our international cooperation remains strong, as evidenced by the successful Embassy Liaison meeting, which strengthened information sharing, cross-border collaboration, and referral mechanisms for Nigerian victims abroad.”

 She added, “The Abuja Shelter received a major facelift through the special intervention of the First Lady, and the Lagos Zonal Command Office was renovated and furnished through support from the United Kingdom,” providing safe, dignified spaces for victims’ healing and reintegration.

As the current NAP concludes, NAPTIP prepares for the 2027–2031 plan, beginning with a comprehensive review. Bello explained, “The National Action Plan on Human Trafficking 2022–2026 will expire next year. Consequently, NAPTIP is ready for the development of the next National Action Plan, 2027–2031, beginning with a comprehensive review to assess what has worked and identify gaps.” NAPTIP also collaborates with ICMPD and ECOWAS to “domesticate and adopt the ECOWAS TIP Plus strategy to Nigeria’s unique context, integrating existing frameworks with broader interventions addressing gender-based violence, irregular migration, and related crimes.” This holistic approach aims for comprehensive protection.

The UNODC, a steadfast partner, was represented by its Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, who highlighted the pivotal role of local government areas in combating both human trafficking and smuggling. He emphasized ground-up action, stating, “We remain fully dedicated to working alongside all stakeholders to strengthen institutions, both at the federal level, but more importantly at the state level, because that’s where the action is happening.

That’s where our sons and daughters are being snatched.” Toure stressed the critical link between local data and national policy, stating, “Whatever we do, we need to look beyond Abuja, because the real challenge is in the local government areas. Improved data systems… have to start from the bottom up, because this data drives national policy for Nigeria.” Toure affirmed UNODC’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s anti-trafficking efforts through robust international collaboration. He stated, “UNODC has been a key collaborator with the Federal Government of Nigeria in addressing human trafficking and migrant smuggling.” UNODC provided extensive technical support for the National Action Plan on migrant smuggling, generously funded by Switzerland, and continues supporting national institutions through projects with partners including the European Union.

 Toure explained the annual policy-level meeting serves as an indispensable platform for reviewing progress and establishing strategic national priorities. He stated, “The policy meeting provides a unique annual platform for the leadership of all relevant institutions at both federal and sub-national levels to review progress in implementing the draft strategy over the past year, approve work plans for the coming year, and agree on strategic priorities.”

 The Ambassador of Switzerland, Patrick Egloff, whose nation generously funds the collaborative project, reaffirmed Switzerland’s steadfast support for NAPTIP and UNODC. He stated, “Switzerland funds this project, which is being jointly and competently implemented by NAPTIP and UNODC.”

He announced a visit to Benin City, stating, “I will go to Benin City tomorrow “and I’m looking forward to visiting the recently inaugurated Shelter for Gender-Based Violence and Survivors of Trafficking in Uromi, Edo State.”

Ambassador Egloff stressed that strong political endorsement is essential for the National Action Plan’s effective implementation. He cautioned, “Action on the ground would be much less effective, or even impossible, without the strong political endorsement of this National Action Plan.” He commended participants, stating, “your presence here today is of utmost importance. Through your presence, you underscore the unwavering commitment of the Government of Nigeria, and of all of us and our institutions here being represented, to the National Action Plan and to combating the devastating crime of human trafficking.”

Egloff concluded with a tripartite call to action: measurable results, genuine partnership, and, most importantly, victim-centered outcomes. He asserted, “We are here today to review reports, assess progress of implementation of the National Action Plan, and consider work plans. This task before us is paramount to ensuring effective and coordinated action.” He emphasised, “Only through partnership can we hope to dismantle the transnational networks that profit from this exploitation, and ensure concrete actions that strengthen prevention, enhance prosecution, and provide comprehensive protection for every victim.”

The Abuja meeting highlighted Nigeria’s deepening resolve against human trafficking, evidenced by its commitment to data-driven governance, grassroots engagement, and robust international cooperation. Despite evolving criminal tactics and the persistent need for improved victim support, the unified front forged by NAPTIP, UNODC, and their partners offers a beacon of hope. The call for intensified, coordinated efforts is a collective pledge to the millions entrapped in modern-day slavery: their plight is seen, their suffering is acknowledged, and the fight for their freedom will continue, relentlessly, until the chains of exploitation are broken for good.