Group advocates state commissions against trafficking in persons
By Aderogba George
A group, Counter Trafficking In Persons (CTIP) Cluster group, has advocated for the establishment of a commission to oversee the issue of human trafficking in states.
The group, at a learning event on Tuesday in Abuja, stated that states commission on human trafficking would adequately tackle CTIP issues instead of the present taskforces on human trafficking.
The group said that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is currently overwhelmed, adding that state commissions would complement their efforts.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group is funded by the United States Agency on International Development (USAID), through the Palladium project.
NAN also reports that the group noted the rampant cases of human trafficking in Benue, Taraba, and Oyo States, and called for funding for the operations of these commissions in the states.
Mrs Mabel Ade, Executive Director of Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), called for enhanced counter-trafficking responses, citing poverty, unemployment, and hunger as push factors contributing to the menace.
“There is a need for government to put up more legal framework to checkmate the activities of human traffickers in Benue, Taraba and Oyo.
“Human trafficking is a dangerous thing that can make one lose contact with their loved ones forever and this can lead to a prolonged trauma,” she said.
Members of the group posed for photograph after it meeting in Abuja on Tuesday
Dr Priscilla Achakpa, the Chief Executive Officer of Women Environmental Programme, highlighted the importance of enforcement of law and value reorientation of the children.
She noted that legislation alone is insufficient without adequate implementation at the state level.
“Nigeria has two main problems in fighting human trafficking: weak laws and lack of funds for enforcement, especially at the state level where trafficking starts.
“This issue is now prevalent in areas with high population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), unemployment, poverty, and regions plagued by conflict and insurgency.
Achakpa said that value reorientation was crucial to stem the tide of human trafficking in Nigeria.
She urged decision makers to take action and support the advocacy efforts of CTIP Cluster group to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators.
NAN reports that the event brought together stakeholders who share knowledge and best practices in tackling human trafficking.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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