The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has revealed that traffickers are exploiting Nigerians’ desperation to seek better opportunities abroad, drawing many into modern-day slavery.
The agency stated that only intensive awareness campaigns can curb this trend.
NAPTIP’s Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, highlighted this during a town hall dialogue with community stakeholders in Abuja on Monday. The event was part of the activities marking the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
“When people talk about ‘japa’ and laugh, it’s not funny. Traffickers have taken advantage of this. Without addressing the root causes of human trafficking—socioeconomic and sociopolitical issues, poverty, and unemployment—we will keep going in circles,” Waziri-Azi said.
She emphasized the need for vigilance despite economic hardships. “Poverty is no excuse to throw caution to the wind. When someone offers you an unrealistic dream, ask questions. We must continue to provide accurate information. Whether it’s NAPTIP, other law enforcement agencies, NGOs, or CSOs, we need to keep disseminating the right information.”
Waziri-Azi also pointed out the rampant misinformation about trafficking. “People believe absurdities like ‘sell your kidney, and it will grow back.’ Not everyone knows these are lies.”
She acknowledged the support NAPTIP has received from partners such as the German, Canadian, and British Governments, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Federal Capital Territory, and the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies.
In his welcome address, NAPTIP’s Director of Intelligence, Mr. Josiah Emerole, stressed the theme of this year’s World Day Against Human Trafficking, ‘Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons.’ “Our work is far from over. United, we can achieve our goal of a world where no child suffers the horrors of trafficking,” he said.
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