By Goodluck Ikiebe
The Global Migration Research Institute, Maryland, USA and its affiliate in Nigeria, Universal Migration Enlightenment Centre, have applauded National Agency For Prohibition Against Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, for great strides achieved as the world marks day Against Human Trafficking on Monday.
The President of the group, Dr Williams Ijoma, gave the commendation in Abuja after participating in the Rally/March organized by NAPTIP in collaboration with UNODC, IOM and other partners too numerous to mention.
Dr Ijoma advised the Youths to stop travelling to Europe by road as many lives have been lost in the desert and the high sea.
“Many Youths die and waisted during the dangerous journey by road to Europe on daily basis”.
He urged the Youths to desist henceforth from embarking on such risky and illfated journey of no return.
“Several thousand of lives have been lost as they try to cross the desert and Mediterranean Sea in search of golden fleece in Europe. There are much better and dignified way to travel to Europe through legal means and properly documented”.
Dr Ijoma said the groups in USA and Nigeria are ready to partner with relevant bodies, organisations and institutions to stem the tide of irregular Migration in Africa.
According to him, a seminar is being planned for the last quarter of this year in both Nigeria and America with a view to enlightening participants on Migration issues.
Some of the Executives, who accompanied him to the event include Mr Barth Ikiebe, the incoming National Coordinator, Universal Migration Enlightenment Centre and Secretary, Lady Joy Agbakwue.
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In another development, Nigerians have been urged to report every form of exploitation and avoid getting involved in cases of human trafficking.
The Director General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, gave the charge while addressing stakeholders during an awareness walk, with the theme: ‘Footprint of Hope: A 20- year Journey – Join NAPTIP on this historic Freedom Walk’, held in Abuja, on Monday.
Over 500 persons participated in the walk which included partners, NGOs, youths and a state task force from different states that joined to raise awareness on the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
“When you see other people in exploitative situation, especially we know in Nigeria, we know domestic issues are widespread, please when you see a child in an exploitative situation, don’t make that exception of you wanting to mind your business, because as individuals we like to mind our business; But I can say that there is now heightened awareness, People are calling out and people are reporting and let me say this, don’t get involved.
“Don’t try to stop any situation because you’re putting yourself in harm’s way. What you should do rather, is reach out to NAPTIP, and the police, We have a 24 hours Call Center and Our toll free number is 0703000.”
Speaking on the significance of the walk to the citizens, the DG NAPTIP said: “Yesterday actually was the 2023 world day against trafficking in persons, which we celebrated by going for a special mass, special prayers for not just NAPTIP but for Nigerians and also prayers for victims.
“This walk is something we do every year, it is not just a walk, it is an opportunity for us to sensitize the public and make noise about issues of human trafficking and to galvanise support for everyone to keep treating victims as victims and not the other way around” she added.
In his remarks, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mattias Schmale, congratulated NAPTIP on the agency’s two decades as a bulwark against human trafficking in Nigeria, and restated the need for continued partnership and commitment to the mission.
He identified Nigerians as one of the highest numbers of identified victims of trafficking in West Africa.
He said: “This year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons aims to raise awareness of disturbing developments and trends identified by the latest UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. The 2022 report informs us that 41% of West African victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation and 57% for forced labour. Nigerians represent by far the highest number of identified victims of trafficking in West Africa.
“Furthermore, the report shows a significant decrease in the number of Nigerian victims being identified and rescued in Western countries, while witnessing a significant increase in West Africa, the Gulf, and Asia.”
Also addressing newsmen, the founding President of Global Migration Research Institute, GMRI, and the Chairman of Universal Migration Enlightenment Center, Nigeria, Dr. Williams Azuma Ijoma, while stressing his commitment to legal migration, urged Nigerians to report cases in human trafficking if seen.
He, however, called on the Federal Government, to intensify effort in curbing the menace caused by human traffickers, adding that stiffer consequences should be meted to any human trafficker found.
