Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has urged officers to enhance their data collection on human trafficking.
Waziri-Azi made this call on Friday in Abuja during the closing session of a five-day capacity-building workshop for NAPTIP officers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop focused on reviewing data collection instruments for reporting and implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) on human trafficking 2022-2026. The programme was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and funded by the Swiss Authority.
“My expectation from this capacity building is for NAPTIP officers and other participants to develop reliable data and track progress in the fight against human trafficking,” Waziri-Azi stated. She emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluating activities related to human trafficking both within and outside Nigeria.
The NAPTIP boss also highlighted the necessity for participants to share the knowledge gained from the training with colleagues in various departments, as well as extend it to NAPTIP state commands and liaison offices across Nigeria.
Waziri-Azi noted that NAPTIP has the best counter-trafficking response in West Africa. She cited the 2022 Global Slavery Report (GSR), which recognized NAPTIP as a strong agency in human trafficking response.
“In terms of the Legal Framework, we have it. In terms of operational structure, NAPTIP is a one-stop shop with enforcement, prosecution powers, and protective mandate to meet the target beneficiaries,” she explained. “Cumulatively, we have secured 674 convictions, including 80 in 2022, 66 in 2023, and 34 so far this year. We have rescued and reintegrated over 24,000 victims into society.”
Waziri-Azi acknowledged the ongoing challenge posed by human trafficking. “Human trafficking is like a revolving door. As we catch and imprison criminals, others continue to commit the same crime. This is why partnership is crucial,” she stressed.
She called on all Nigerians, especially parents, to join the fight against human trafficking. “This is the work of everybody, both at the state and community level,” she urged.
Waziri-Azi also highlighted the importance of collaboration with partners such as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), as NAPTIP does not have a presence at land and sea borders or airports.
