The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have urged increased collaboration to combat human trafficking in Nigeria.
The call was made during the official handover of the Countering Human Trafficking Office in Lagos, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing this critical issue. NAPTIP director-general Fatima Waziri-Azi highlighted the significance of the project, especially in Lagos, a key hub for trafficking, while recognizing the vital contributions of local agencies in intelligence sharing.
The establishment of the office was lauded as a milestone by Lagos’ attorney general Lawal Pedro, emphasizing its role in enhancing rescue and reporting mechanisms. UNODC’s deputy country representative, Danilo Campisi, emphasized their support for state task forces, including capacity building and equipping offices.
The collaborative initiative received praise from U.S. consul general Will Stevens, who stressed the pivotal role the office plays in strengthening Nigeria’s response to human trafficking.