Daud Olatunji
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasized the need for robust support to strengthen the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in its efforts to combat human trafficking and related crimes across Nigeria.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Abbas commended the agency’s strides under Bello’s leadership and pledged legislative backing to bolster its operations.
Abbas noted that the House of Representatives would consider amendments to the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, to ensure stricter penalties for offenders and improve funding for the agency through the House Committee on Human Rights.
“You have demonstrated passion and deep knowledge of the agency’s mandate. I believe your leadership will be a game-changer for NAPTIP and Nigeria at large,” Abbas stated.
The Speaker lauded the agency’s success in securing 692 convictions for human trafficking and 27 convictions for violence against persons.
He highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration with civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to curb human trafficking at the grassroots.
Abbas called for a comprehensive approach to the proposed legislative amendments, stressing the need to tackle the root causes of trafficking, including poverty and unemployment.
In her remarks, Binta Adamu Bello described human trafficking as a national crisis fueled by economic hardship and the desire for better opportunities.
She detailed the agency’s achievements, including rescuing and rehabilitating 23,990 victims, comprising 17,910 females and 6,080 males.
“Out of this number, 11,530 are children, and 23 of the rescued victims have graduated from universities through NAPTIP’s sponsorship.
Six of these graduates are now employed by the agency,” Bello revealed.
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