The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in partnership with the Azzawaj Women and Children Intervention Centre, has reiterated the need for enhanced support and standardized care for victims of human trafficking and gender-based violence.
At a one-day training workshop on policy guidelines and minimum standards for service providers, stakeholders emphasized the urgency of coordinated efforts between the government, civil society, and the private sector to combat trafficking and ensure quality victim care.
Speaking at the event, NAPTIP Director-General, Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, represented by Mr. Effeh Ekrika, Director of Special Duties, decried the persistent violation of human rights due to trafficking.
“Human trafficking affects millions of Nigerians, with the country serving as a source, transit, and destination. While progress has been made, much more remains to be done,” Ekrika stated.
He emphasized that service providers play a critical role in ensuring victims receive standardized, trauma-informed care.
“Without adequate support, our efforts will be in vain. Victims must be assisted in a safe, dignified manner,” he added.
The newly introduced policy guidelines and minimum standards seek to create a structured approach to victim rehabilitation, prioritizing dignity, safety, and reintegration while preventing re-exploitation.
Ekrika further stressed the need for a multi-sectoral approach to combating trafficking, urging stronger prosecution of offenders.
“Preventing human trafficking and gender-based violence requires collective effort. Traffickers must be held accountable to serve as a deterrent,” he stated.
Specialized Support for Victims
Azzawaj Executive Director, Asmau Abe Wala, underscored the importance of equipping caregivers with the skills necessary for specialized medical, psychological, and emotional support.
“Many victims have endured extreme abuse and require tailored rehabilitation. This training ensures that caregivers are well-prepared to meet their needs,” Wala explained.
She highlighted Nigeria’s growing human trafficking crisis and the need for specialized training for doctors, counselors, and social workers.
According to her, more than 40 caregivers, including interpreters and special needs experts, participated in the training, which is expected to enhance victim care nationwide.
Recent reports indicate that 13 victims were rescued in Sokoto, while over 30 others were intercepted en route to Niger Republic from Yobe State.
“Human trafficking is not limited to children; it affects people of all ages and genders. Victims are often deceived with false promises of jobs and a better life, only to end up in forced labor or exploitation,” Wala said.
She called for harsher penalties for traffickers, describing the crime as comparable to murder due to the suffering victims endure.
“Some victims don’t survive the journey. They die from hardship and abuse. There should be capital punishment for traffickers,” she asserted.
Capacity Building and Policy Implementation
Dr. Ebele Ulasi, NAPTIP’s Director of Training, stressed the importance of empowering caregivers and stakeholders with the right skills to enhance victim support services.
“This is not just another training; it is about handling victims with care and efficiency. The work you do is purely humanitarian, and God will bless you for it,” Ulasi stated.
The training covered key areas such as victimology, trauma-informed care, national referral mechanisms, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for victim handling and case management.
“We have world-class facilitators guiding discussions to ensure every service provider implements standardized care practices,” Ulasi added.
One of the participants, Georgina Umaru of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse, and Labor (NACTAL), emphasized the importance of policy implementation and capacity building.
“This training will spark meaningful conversations and equip key stakeholders with the knowledge to provide tailored care to victims,” Umaru noted.
Media and Awareness Campaigns
Azzawaj board member, Hajia Saidatu Bello, stressed the need for continuous awareness campaigns to prevent trafficking.
“Despite ongoing enlightenment efforts, trafficking continues to happen daily. Public education must be relentless, and the media plays a critical role in spreading awareness,” she said.
The workshop also highlighted the role of news agencies and social media in educating the public about trafficking tactics, survivor experiences, and intervention strategies.
“We are leveraging the power of media to ensure this message spreads far and wide. Everyone must be informed and vigilant,” said Saada Tuberlo, a key facilitator at the event.
With ongoing collaboration between NAPTIP, civil society organizations, and the media, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals.
“Let us work together to ensure that victims receive the support they deserve while holding traffickers accountable for their crimes,” NAPTIP’s representative concluded.
The workshop marked another significant step in Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking, reinforcing the need for policy enforcement, improved victim
care, and strategic partnerships to tackle the crisis effectively.
