On Monday, hundreds of people took to the streets of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, in a remarkable show of unity to protest the serious issue of human trafficking. As the demonstrators fiercely stated their worries and demands, the city was filled with a sense of excitement and expectation.
Staff members of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) from 23 states across the country converged in Abuja, the capital city, in a dramatic display of solidarity and commitment. What is their mission? To promote public awareness of the grave dangers of human trafficking.
A wide collection of stakeholders joined authorities from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in a stunning demonstration of collaboration. Among the distinguished attendees were members of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), among others.
According to a recent statement issued by NAPTIP spokesman Vincent Adekoye, a walk has been planned to commemorate the agency’s 20th anniversary and the forthcoming 2023 World Day Against Human Trafficking.
A group ventured on a monumental trek through the bustling streets of Abuja, the acclaimed Federal Capital Territory, in a spectacular display of solidarity and commitment. They set off from the renowned Old Parade Ground, traversing the city’s principal thoroughfares with steadfast determination. Their long journey ended in the famed Unity Fountain, located in the center of the Central Business District.
Prof Fatima Waziri – Azi, Director General, led a historic walk in a spectacular display of unity and teamwork. She was joined by distinguished leaders from several development partners, civil society organizations, sister law enforcement agencies, agency directors, NAPTIP zonal and state commanders, and other stakeholders. This collaborative effort demonstrated everyone’s commitment and determination to address the serious issues at hand.
Director General Prof. Fatima Waziri – Azi stressed the purposefulness of the walk in a statement issued at the end of the trek. The major goal was to raise public awareness about the serious issues of human trafficking and other related offenses. The goal of this coordinated campaign was to change the dominant narrative, ensuring that Nigerians are well-informed and armed with the required knowledge to effectively confront human traffickers’ misleading techniques.
According to Mr. Danilo Capisi, the Deputy Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the theme of this year’s World Day Against Human Trafficking is “Reach every victim of trafficking-leave no one behind.”
He stated, “This theme is particularly fitting as it aligns with the core principle of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – the commitment to ensure that no individual is left behind.” As we approach the midway of the 2030 deadline, the promise appears to be at risk. In a strong appeal to action, it was highlighted that immediate steps must be done to re-energize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A collaboration has formed between the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and several United Nations (UN) organizations, demonstrating the strength of our relationship with the Government. Notably, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are all involved in this collaboration. This collaboration demonstrates NAPTIP’s strong ties with these prestigious UN entities.
Mr. Abdulganiyu Abubakar, the National President of the prestigious Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour (NACTAL), recently presented a touching goodwill message.
During the gala celebration, members of the State Task Forces Against Human Trafficking took center stage in a remarkable display of solidarity and commitment. A bright march enthralled the audience and demonstrated their everlasting dedication to combating this horrible crime, led by their distinguished commanders and joined by numerous Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).