NAPTIP DG Seeks Support of Northern Governors to Combat Human Trafficking
Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Imaan Sulaiman–Ibrahim, has disclosed that the Agency is on the mission to gain confidence of driver partners and smooth the existing relationship among stakeholders in order to achieve the desired result in the fight against human trafficking and Child abuse across the Country.
She stated this during a courtesy visit on the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Simon Lalong in preparation for the inauguration of the Plateau State Task Force on Human Trafficking.
The Task Force on Human Trafficking being supported by some partners including International Organization for Migration (IOM), is a counter trafficking measure aimed at getting the full support of State actors in order maximally address the menace from the grassroots.
The meeting of the Plateau State Governor was very strategic because he also doubles as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.
The NAPTIP Director General shared her renewed Vision of the Agency which comes strongly from the preventive and growth angle and also enable collaboration adding that working closely with State Governments and committed stakeholders remained a key factor in the operations of the Agency.
She further stated that the Project 4S and 4R aligns with President Muhammadu Buhari’s Vision of Securing the Country, diversifying economy and also lifting 100 million people out of poverty in 10 years and solicited for the supports of the Governor and that of his members in the Northern Governors Forum in realizing the Agency’s vision, making the people of the region less vulnerable and less accessible to the human traffickers.
In response, the Governor after Highlighting their Trafficking challenges in the State and reiterated his confidence in NAPTIP and assured the DG of his 100% support toward the fight against human trafficking and any form of human degradation and exploitation.
He mentioned that Plateau state was the first Northern State to enact both the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAAP) which is now in full implementation in the State.
Moreover, the Governor agreed to the DG’s request of a land to establish a NAPTIP Complex, which will compose of an administrative block, open and close shelter, a NAPTIP development Hub, a clinic, a restaurant, a rehabilitation centre, etc.
The Governor was of the opinion that “lack of opportunities may be one of the reasons why youths migrate from Nigeria
“However from your plans it’s obvious that we can try to stop a significant amount from leaving the country illegally. It is very important that we “key in the younger population going forward, because the earlier we rescue our young ones then the better”. The Governor said.
