The Federal Government has called for a unified approach among stakeholders to strengthen the fight against trafficking in persons (TIP) in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 28th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum/Summit on TIP in Abuja, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), represented by Mrs Victoria Fila Ojogbane, emphasized the need for coordinated and harmonized strategies to yield better results in the nation’s anti-trafficking efforts.
The event, hosted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), highlighted Nigeria’s progress while stressing the urgency for aligned intervention.
“This year’s anti-trafficking event stands as a clarion call to action…to intensify efforts, align strategies, and, ultimately, end the exploitation of our people,” Fagbemi said.
He underscored that human trafficking remains a sophisticated, profit-driven crime, with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) reporting an annual global profit of over $245 billion; including $169.9 billion from sexual exploitation and $75.9 billion from forced labour, such as domestic servitude.
Fagbemi reiterated Nigeria’s leadership role in regional and global anti-trafficking initiatives, pointing to robust legal and institutional frameworks like NAPTIP. However, he warned against complacency, citing the evolving tactics of traffickers.
Since its inception, NAPTIP has recorded notable milestones, with 25,642 victims rescued (73.8% female, 48.1% children), 11,406 suspected traffickers arrested, and 750 convictions achieved (469 males, 281 females).
The Justice Minister stressed that these numbers reflect major achievements considering the complex and covert nature of human trafficking cases.
As Nigeria continues to lead the charge, stakeholders are encouraged to commit to strategic collaboration, ensuring better protection for vulnerable groups and dismantling the criminal networks profiting from exploitation.
