• Secures 176 conviction in three years
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, would jointly undertake rehabilitation of Nigerian girls rescued from Ghana who are victims of human trafficking.
Director General of NAPTIP, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi stated this yesterday while playing host to the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye in Abuja.
According to her, NAPTIP in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs will commence the rehabilitation of the girls to reduce the impact of the trauma they must have gone through.
She said: “Though the government has a major role in tackling human trafficking, communities and families have an even greater role in tackling these issues.
“Regarding the other girls in Ghana, we are in touch with the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Unit.
“The girls have been rescued and are safe. The perpetrator has been arrested, and I am also in contact with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.”
Prof. Waziri-Azi urged parents and guardians to be wary of giving out their children for perceived profitable offers.
“I also want to tell parents and young people that there is no free lunch anywhere; if it is free, then you are definitely the product.
“We know that everyone desires a better life, but wanting a better life does not mean you should not be discerning.
“I am very delighted by the Honourable Minister’s visit. From our conversation, we will definitely approach this issue in a more strategic way, in terms of prevention because prevention is better than cure.”
“ NAPTIP has been very proactive, strategic, and deliberate in carrying out its mandate leading to the conviction of 176 human traffickers between 2022 and 2024, and still counting.
“We secured conviction of 29 human traffickers from January 2024 till date, 67 traffickers in 2023, 80 in 2022 and a total of 670 human trafficking convictions since the inception of the agency, including the rescue of over 23,000 victims,” she added.
On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs said the government will embark on massive public advocacy in partnership with stakeholders across key sectors to fight against the scourge.
“I came here to see my sister concerning the issue of the Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana. We will join hands with NAPTIP to empower them, give them skills or send them to school,” she added.
