The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has announced a partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to rehabilitate Nigerian girls recently rescued from Ghana.
The collaboration aims at providing long-term support and empowerment to the victims.
This development was unveiled following a visit by the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, to NAPTIP’s headquarters.
A statement by the Director of Information of NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoyejo read that the visit was prompted by reports of Nigerian girls being trafficked to Ghana for sexual exploitation.
Speaking to journalists, NAPTIP Director General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, Ph.D., emphasized the agency’s proactive and strategic efforts in combating human trafficking, noting the rescue of over 23,000 victims and the conviction of 670 traffickers since the agency’s inception.
Prof. Waziri-Azi confirmed the girls’ safety, stating, “The girls have been rescued and are safe. The perpetrator has been arrested. We are coordinating with the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and NIDCOM to ensure their return.”
She stressed the critical role of communities and families in preventing trafficking, highlighting the need for vigilance and awareness.
Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye praised NAPTIP’s impact and committed to supporting the rehabilitation of the rescued girls through empowerment programs.
“We will empower them, give them skills, or send them to school,” she said.
The Minister also announced plans for extensive advocacy involving commercial transport operators, the aviation and marine sectors, and parents, warning that those found complicit in trafficking would be held accountable.
The partnership between the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and NAPTIP underscores a strengthened commitment to addressing human trafficking and providing necessary support to victims.
Both agencies call for nationwide cooperation to tackle this pervasive issue effectively.
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