News Agency of Nigeria
Nigeria commits 8m on SAPZ – Shettima
Agriculture , Foreign

Nigeria commits $538m on SAPZ – Shettima

89 total views today
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria has already committed $538.05 million to the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.
Shettima made this known at the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SAPZ is a flagship initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods, and accelerating agro-industrialisation.
The vice-president explained that the programme was being implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and other key development partners.
” The initiative is projected to attract $1 billion in total investments by 2027, reduce post-harvest losses by 80 per cent and has already generated over 785,000 jobs across targeted regions,” he stated.
Shettima added that African youths were holding the key to the continent’s agri-food future and thus, no stone should be left unturned in mobilising this greatest asset.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity, adding that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had reactivated over 500,000 hectares of arable land.
He added that Tinubu’s government had deployed strategic food reserves and expanded access to seeds and extension services.
Shettima also emphasised the importance of security sector reforms to ensure farmers can access their lands safely and continue food production in rural communities.
In addition, he called for international collaboration to recharge the Lake Chad Basin, expand sustainable irrigation systems, and establish a national farm database.
He also advocated anticipatory action to climate shocks, emergency school feeding programmes in conflict-affected areas, and resilience-building initiatives to secure long-term stability.
“Food security is the trust anchor of peace,” Shettima stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
Nigeria maps 10-year youths-led agricultural renewal plan
Agriculture , Foreign

Nigeria maps 10-year youths-led agricultural renewal plan

88 total views today
By Salisu Sani-Idris
The Federal Government has unveiled a 10-year Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035) to transform its agricultural sector.
Vice-president Kashim Shettima stated this at a high-level dialogue between African youths agri-food entrepreneurs and African leaders at the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He explained that the plan was part of Nigeria’s national strategy to implement the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration (2026–2036).
According to him, it was adopted by African Heads of State to strengthen food and nutrition security across the continent.
Shettima emphasised the importance of investing in young people to drive innovation and resilience across food systems.
The vice-president declared that the youths-led innovation would be central to the country’s food systems transition.
“A nation that is prepared for the future is not known by the promises it makes but by the place it gives to its youth in shaping those promises.
“To see African youths leading the charge in this essential sector speaks more eloquently than any speech,”  Shettima stated.
He said already Nigeria had inaugurated an Agricultural Sector Working Group and a Technical Committee to coordinate national implementation of the Kampala Declaration and develop the 10-Year Strategic Action Plan.
According to him, the plan will align national and subnational priorities, promote public-private partnerships, and embed strong youth engagement at every level.
He also stated that the Federal Government had recapitalised the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion ($1 billion) to support the Youths Agricultural Revolution in Nigeria.
Shettima said the bank would provide loans of up to N1million to young farmers and agri-groups across the country.
“This is not charity. It is strategic inclusion. It is resilience engineered into policy,”  Shettima said.
He listed several ongoing initiatives, including Nigeria’s collaboration with the Netherlands, CGIAR, and IITA under the Youth in Agribusiness Initiative.
Shettima said the initiative was targeting 10,000 youths, with 40–50 per cent of them women, across innovative hubs in horticulture, poultry, aquaculture, and cassava processing.
He also cited investments in mechanisation, greenhouse expansion, and irrigation systems, along with the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project with Brazil, which was enhancing year-round agricultural productivity and value chain efficiency.
“We launched the first 2,000 tractors in a 70-million-dollar investment, targeting over 550,000 hectares of land and reaching more than 550,000 farming households.
“In partnership with John Deere, we are deploying 10,000 tractors over five years,” he said.
Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s call for increased investment in value addition and agro-processing to end the export of raw commodities and build more resilient local economies.
The forthcoming 10-Year Action Plan, he added, would prioritise training and mentorship in agro-technology and agribusiness, with a strong monitoring and evaluation framework.
“This is not a sprint. It is a generational relay that requires collective action, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to shared responsibility,” Shettima  said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
Group advocates backyard farming to build self-reliant communities
Agriculture

Group advocates backyard farming to build self-reliant communities

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By Dorcas Jonah

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Farm Flowers and Allied Products Initiative (FFAP), has called on women to embrace backyard farming to build stronger, healthier, and more self-reliant communities.

The president of the FFAP, Mrs Christy Sani Yakubu, made the call on Thursday at a Sensitisation Programme on Backyard Farming, organised by FFAP in Abuja.

Yakubu said that backyard farming was more than just planting vegetables behind the house.

According to her, it is a powerful tool for household resilience, especially for women who are often the primary providers of food and nutrition within the family.

“Backyard farming empowers families to grow their own fresh produce, reduce dependence on external food sources, and make healthier dietary choices.

“At a time when food prices are rising, climate change is affecting what we grow, and many families are struggling to put meals on the table.

“Backyard farming gives us a practical and empowering way to take control of our lives,” FFAP boss said.

According to her, backyard farming may seem small, but its impact is powerful.

“With a few square feet of land, or even containers, we can reduce costs, generate small incomes, and teach our children the value of self-reliance and environmental care,’’ she said.

Yakubu urged participants to explore the programme to exchange the ideas and make backyard farming a reality in their homes and neighbourhoods.

Earlier, the National President of the National Council for Women Societies, (NCWS) Nigeria, Mrs Ednah Azura, advised participants to take full advantage of the knowledge and tools shared in the training.

Azura, represented by the National Newsletter Editor, Mrs Comfort Ahua, said that the initiative was timely and significant, as it aligned with NCWS vision of empowering women through sustainable agricultural practices and food security.

“Backyard farming, beyond being a means of livelihood, also ensures improved nutrition, self-reliance, and a greener environment for our communities.

“I wish to sincerely thank the hosts, FFAP for creating this inclusive platform that prioritises women’s empowerment and practical knowledge.

“Your work is commendable and aligns strongly with NCWS’s commitment to economic empowerment at the grassroots level,’’ she said.

Presenting training on backyard farming, Mr Obasi Sunday, Desk Officer, Horticulture-Medicinal Plant, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, said backyard farming offers numerous benefits, including access to fresh, healthy food and exercise, and a connection with nature.

Sunday described it as a stress reliever, a way to learn new skills, and a means to reduce environmental impact. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Report uncovers lack of inclusivity, legal compliance in political parties
Politics

Report uncovers lack of inclusivity, legal compliance in political parties

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By Justina Auta

The Political Parties Performance Index (PPPI) report has revealed lack of inclusivity, legal compliance and public outreach in Nigeria’s 19 registered political parties.

This was disclosed at the launch of the PPPI report and the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) constitution in Abuja.

The PPPI is an evidence-based framework developed by Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) to assess political parties’ performance in the areas of inclusivity, legal compliance, and public outreach.

Adebowale Olorunmola, Country Director of WFD, Nigeria, said that the data revealed gaps between how well parties think they are doing, how their members perceive their performance, and how the public experiences them.

Olorunmola said that parties reported an average score of 82.4 per cent on inclusivity, while party members rated this at just 67.6 per cent, exposing a 15 per cent implementation gap.

“In legal compliance gap, while parties self-reported 86.4 per cent, members gave an average of 72.4 per cent.

“Citizens rated political parties at just 45.9 per cent for public outreach, which is the lowest score across all assessment layers,” he said.

According to him, the launch of the PPPI report and adoption of the revised IPAC constitution will strengthen democracy and commitment by political parties to embrace accountability, inclusion, and institutional reform.

“We believe that strong, transparent and citizen-responsive political parties are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

“These tools are not just documents; they are instruments of transformation that can help political parties better serve the Nigerian people,” he said.

He said that the documents would contribute to building a more resilient and inclusive democratic system.

Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman, IPAC, said that the constitution now served as a new ethical standard that all registered political parties must uphold as a platform that produced elected office holders across the country.

“We are duty bound to champion good governance accountability and service delivery.

“We must hold leaders to their promises and keep the welfare of the people above personal interest in line with section 14, sub section two, paragraph B of the 1999 constitution,” Dantalle said.

Prof. Kunle Ajayi, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner, said that the problem was with parties not complying with their own constitution.

“So, this framework is to ensure that they drive their own internal constitution to enforce it on them to avoid crisis and losing credibility in the eyes of the public.

“Parties have to reach out to the public. They have to be active, not only during election time, but before, during and after election, they have to be visible,” he said.

Mr Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, noted lack of political discipline, ideology and vision as challenges affecting political parties.

Chinda described the PPPI report as a developmental framework designed to nudge parties toward transparency, accountability and better engagement.

“There is an urgent need for a national conversation on political party reform.

“This conversation must be anchored, not only on the deficiencies we see today, but on the possibilities we can imagine,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Electric vehicles key to Nigeria’s industrial future, says Minister
Science & Tech

Electric vehicles key to Nigeria’s industrial future, says Minister

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By Adepote Arowojobe

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, has emphasised the transformative potential of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for Nigeria’s transport and logistics sectors.

She noted that adopting EVs could drive innovation, efficiency, and growth in the sector.

Oduwole stated this on Wednesday during her visit to SAGLEV, an EV assembly firm in Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

She said current government policies on industry, trade, and investment are prioritising Nigerian investors, ensuring they thrive within a supportive environment.

“The Nigeria First Policy by President Bola Tinubu supports investors like those we’ve encountered today,” she noted.

She recalled last week’s Domestic Investor Summit, which focused on medium to large-scale enterprises.

“This progress stems from years of planning, training, partnerships and collaboration,” she added.

Oduwole expressed joy at the reforms supporting SMEs to manufacture, produce and compete globally.

Highlighting statistics, she noted that EVs use 80 per cent less energy, aiding productivity and economic growth through projects like the coastal road.

She affirmed that such initiatives could significantly advance Nigeria’s development trajectory.

The minister pledged to address bottlenecks in customs import processes, enhancing trade efficiency for economic progress.

“We are key in both imports and exports, especially across Africa. Trade facilitation remains essential,” she said.

She added that Customs reforms like automation had been confirmed by investors as impactful.

“Challenges remain, but there’s greater compliance with due processes,” Oduwole stated.

She also mentioned the launch of President Tinubu’s National Single Window Project.

Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, pledged state support for EV investments.

She stated that such initiatives would generate employment for the growing youth population.

“We’ll continue to support this venture under Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership,” she said.

Mr Joseph Osanipin, Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council, said new legislation would regulate the EV industry.

He revealed the council’s creation of a National Occupational Standard policy for EV maintenance and servicing.

This standard would form a training curriculum for technicians, polytechnics, technical colleges, and universities across Nigeria.

 

SAGLEV CEO, Dr Gbenga Faleye, appealed to all levels of government for patronage and smoother raw material importation.

Faleye said EV production would create jobs, boost transport, and reduce maintenance due to having fewer components than imported vehicles.

He revealed that SAGLEV has an annual capacity to produce 2,500 EVs.

Faleye urged manufacturers to focus on Nigeria’s opportunities rather than challenges.

“Decades-old challenges won’t vanish instantly; patience and opportunity-seeking are key,” he advised.

He added that only local residents are employed at SAGLEV as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Ranodu of Imota, Oba Ajibade Agoro, appreciated the minister’s visit, saying it confirmed Imota’s emergence as an industrial hub in Lagos State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kamal Tayo Oropo

NAF graduates 30 helicopter pilots
Aviation , Defence/Security

NAF graduates 30 helicopter pilots

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has charged 30 newly graduated helicopter pilots to rise to the demands of modern warfare by embracing continuous learning, teamwork, and professionalism.

Abubakar gave the charge on Wednesday, during the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the Integrated Helicopter Pilot Course 9/2024 and Airline Transport Pilot Licence Course 2/2025, at the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS), Enugu.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigeria Air Force (NAF), said Abubakar congratulated the pilots for their achievement, reminding them that they have commenced a special journey.

“You are stepping into a dynamic and complex operational environment.

“The threats to our national security are multifaceted and constantly evolving.

“Your success will depend not only on the flying skills you have acquired but, on your ability, to adapt, collaborate, and operate as part of a coordinated joint force,” he said.

The CAS called on the new pilots to wear their wings with humility and a deep sense of responsibility, stressing that they carry the hopes of a nation and the trust of a service that remains a pillar of peace and stability.

He emphasised that the hangar was one of several ongoing projects, including a new school headquarters and 36 units of student accommodation, which demonstrate the NAF’s commitment to transforming IHFS into a global standard for helicopter training.

“NAF is not only training pilots, we are building a self-reliant, mission-oriented, and resilient force capable of meeting the airpower demands of today’s battle space,” he added.

Abubakar reaffirmed that IHFS remains a cornerstone of his command philosophy, which prioritises deliberate training, human capacity development, and infrastructure-driven operational excellence.

He further acknowledged the efforts of the rector and instructional team at IHFS, applauding their professionalism and dedication to producing world-class pilots.

The ceremony also featured the graduation of IHFS flight instructors who completed their Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) training, along with promotions for several instructors, reflecting the school’s growing instructional capacity and adherence to global best practices.

The Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited, along with the school’s Board of Directors, also received praise for their oversight and strategic support.

The combined ceremony marked not just the celebration of pilot proficiency but the unveiling of a broader strategic vision for rotary-wing aviation in Nigeria’s evolving security architecture. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor and Yakubu Uba

Tinubu boosting our capacity to empower women- Minister
Gender

Tinubu boosting our capacity to empower women- Minister

104 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim, says President Bola Tinubu has boosted the capacity of the ministry to empower women in the North and other parts of the country.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim disclosed this during her presentation at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation’s two-day Session on Government-Citizens Engagement on Wednesday in Kaduna.

According to her, the president has provided enormous support for the ministry to activate all its mandate areas which include women and family.

“Tinubu’s support to us has boosted our capacity to deliver on our mandate to women in the North and other areas, and to also ensure that no one is left behind.

“Some of the laws like the Child Rights Act is over 30 years old, the VAAP Act is about ten years old.

“Most of our policies are undergoing reviews, because things have changed and we need to flow with the time.

“The rate of gender-based violence is high and there are cases of incest in our communities.

“We believe that through policy reforms we will be able to address that.

“In addition, with the effort of Tinubu to strengthen the legal Instruments, perpetrators will be brought to book,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

The minister also noted that Women Agenda has always been put on the front burner of all women agencies.

She revealed that her ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of Trade and Investment and Chambers of Commerce and Industry to define women led- businesses.

The collaboration, according to her, will help formulate favourable policies that will better the lives of women in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Rotimi Ijikanmi

EU reiterates commitment to advance sustainable, rights-based migration governance
Foreign

EU reiterates commitment to advance sustainable, rights-based migration governance

102 total views today

By Aderogba George

European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gautier Mignot, has reiterated the commitment of the union to advance sustainable, rights-based migration governance in Nigeria.

The Ambassador gave the commitment at the 28th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum (NSCF)/Summit on Trafficking in Persons held on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum, with the theme: “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime: End the Exploitation”, was held to commemorate the 2025 International Day against Human Trafficking, which is celebrated annually on July 30.

Mignot said that the European Union was strongly committed to supporting Nigeria’s leadership in advancing sustainable, rights-based migration governance.

He said Nigeria’s projects implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIAPP) aimed to move beyond fragmented responses.

The ambassador said that the projects were targeted at strengthening national systems that would prevent exploitation, protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

“I am very proud to announce that we have been able to mobilise further support to the existing action implemented by FIAPP and UNODC to the tune of 6 million euros to continue supporting the area of human trafficking and slavery.

“At the heart of this intervention is building resilience within institutions across borders and, most importantly, in communities that are vulnerable to the influence of criminal networks.

“It places a strong emphasis on cooperation, rule of law and data-driven action to ensure that migration takes place through safe and legal pathways, rather than through the military routes controlled by traffickers and smugglers,” he said.

He said it was important that all efforts must remain firmly rooted in human rights, gender sensitivity and ethical practices.

“We must ensure that the specific realities of women, girls and marginalised populations are reflected and addressed in policy and practice,” Mignot stressed.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Nuhu Ribadu, commended the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) under the leadership of Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, for its unwavering commitment to tackle the menace of human trafficking.

Represented by Hajia Lami Jibril, Director of Liason in the agency, Ribadu commended the dedication of relevant government institutions, and efforts of all stakeholders working behind the scenes to prevent trafficking, protect vulnerable persons and prosecute offenders.

He said that collaboration was essential to national response, and stressed that the people must always come first, in whatever prevention they are putting on ground.

The Chairman/CEO of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohammed Marwa, said the crime of human trafficking was one of the greatest threats to human dignity, national security, and socio-economic stability.

Marwa, represented by Mr Shedrack Haruna, Secretary of the agency, stated that human trafficking was deeply intertwined with other illicit networks.

These, he said, included drug trafficking, money laundering, and cross-national organised crime.

“These human traffickers turning human lives into commodities are also the same criminal syndicates profiting from the misery of substance abuse.

“Therefore, our fight against drug abuse and trafficking is inseparable from the fight against human trafficking,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

UNICEF empowers 200 with startup toolkits in Lagos
Education

UNICEF empowers 200 with startup toolkits in Lagos

128 total views today

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Generation Unlimited (GenU) has empowered with toolkits, outstanding 200 girls, who have completed a training under the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) programme.

At the Startup Toolkit and National Skills Qualification Certificate presentation at the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) on Wednesday, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief Field Officer of UNICEF, South-West Nigeria, identified Yabatech as a partner in driving skills development in Nigeria.

Lafoucriere was represented by UNICEF’s Social Policy Specialist, Mr Muhammad Okorie.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the GESP programme was across four key skills areas  – web application development, mobile application development, GSM and mobile phone repair, and computer hardware maintenance repair.

Lafoucriere said that the partnership with Yabatech had created an enabling environment for providing thousands of girls and young women with an opportunity to develop market-oriented skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

She described the empowerment as a critical lever for economic and social development globally, saying that Nigeria’s youth population made it a pressing need.

“Today, the first and second cohorts gained credentials with certification of the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) Level Two,” she said.

The official added that the graduates were being given essential toolkits to acquire more advanced skills and excel in the labour market.

“UNICEF remains committed to serving the needs of children and youths particularly by scaling the evidence-based skills programme for most marginalised girls and young women, in partnership with Nigeria Government, UK Government and GESP partners,” she said.

In a keynote address, the Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the initiative was a laudable step toward nurturing a productive future for girls as they would begin to apply their newly-acquired skills in everyday life.

She was represented by Mrs Abimbola Odunmbaku, Wife of the Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu praised Yabatech, UNICEF and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the programme, which she described as impactful.

“This collaboration reflects a strong commitment to empowering girls, while promoting, protecting and preserving their rights and overall wellbeing.

“Yabatech and its development partners have remained shining examples in fostering youth development.

“Their dedication to building the capacity of young people and supporting communities deserves our collective applause.

“When we come together to nurture and empower our youths, the task of nation-building becomes far less daunting,” she added.

Sanwo-Olu said that education would help young women to realise their full potential and make informed and independent decisions.

She described the training as an empowerment tool, which the beneficiaries would use to take control of their lives, uplift their families, and positively impact their communities.

“As stakeholders, we must intensify our advocacy for a holistic approach to education, one that not only prepares our children to excel academically but also equips them to be financially independent, emotionally resilient and socially relevant.

She charged the girls to cultivate the right attitudes and pursue excellence, adding that they should allow integrity and hard work to define their journeys.

She gave the assurance that the state government would continue to formulate policies and programmes that would create an enabling, inclusive and safe environment for youths to thrive.

In his remarks, the Rector of Yabatech, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and other partners for support and collaboration.

He said that the distribution of the startup toolkits was a major stride in making the beneficiaries to move from learning to earning.

Abdul said the initiative showed the power of partnership in transforming lives.

“We remain at the forefront of technical education, innovation and community impact through the GESP.

“We are aligning with our strategic vision to equip our youths particularly young women with demand-driven skills to position them competitively in the labour market and as change agents within their communities.

We remain deeply committed to initiatives that bridge the gender gap in STEM, digital innovation and skilled trades,” he added.

Earlier, Dr Funmilayo Doherty, GESP Project Coordinator at Yabatech, said that the toolkits included 50 laptops to the best-performing girls in web application development and 50 laptops to those in mobile application development.

Doherty said that 50 laptops were also distributed to those trained in computer hardware maintenance and repair, while learners in GSM and mobile phone repair also got 50 toolkits at the event.

“These young girls have not only completed their training in record time but have also demonstrated commitment, growth and resilience.

“Their work has stood out, their confidence has soared, their potential is clear.

“The startup toolkits is one of the most practical and meaningful ways to support their journey into the world of work and enterprise,” she added.

She noted that the initiative was launched in 2024 with the vision to empower 5,250 young women with relevant, quality, gender-responsive technical and digital skills, and ultimately connect them to better livelihoods in the informal and communication technology sector.

Miss Faith Joseph, one of the beneficiaries who trained under GESP GSM/Mobile Phone Repair, thanked UNICEF and Yabatech for the opportunity to acquire the skill.

“I learnt the skill at CARLCARE training school through the help of GESP Yabatech, and today I work as a technician in 9s LIFE NICE,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Ijeoma Popoola

Trafficking: NAPTIP, NGO partner to end children exploitation
Metro

Trafficking: NAPTIP, NGO partner to end children exploitation

123 total views today

By Alex Enebeli

A non-governmental organisation, Youth Child Support Initiative (YCSI), in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has called for an end to children trafficking.

They made the call on Wednesday during a march against trafficking in Enugu.

The event, which was titled “Anti Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign in commemoration of the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking”, was also carried out with other partners.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was funded by the Government of Netherlands and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).

NAN also reports that the road walk, which started at Onu Asata area of Enugu State, ended at the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu.

Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Director, YCSI, Dr Ijeoma Nnaji, said the walk was to give visibility about trafficking in the society and how people would be prevented from it or even reduce it.

Nnaji, who is the South-East Zonal Coordinator, Network of Civil Societies Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), added that human trafficking was all about exploitation.

“When you are exploited, you are used for different things for gain. So today, we are marking the World Day Against Human Trafficking to enlightening people that trafficking is still with us.

“There are so many of our children, youths and villages that are being exploited. Today’s World Trafficking Day speaks on theme of ending exploitation.

“Many of our younger ones are being killed or even have their organs taken due to trafficking,” she said.

Nnaji explained that NAPTIP organised the exercise through NACTAL as a civil society organisation with support from ICMPD.

She, however, called for collaborative efforts to combat the menace, stressing that government alone could not fight it.

The NAPTIP Zonal Commander, Mr Jonathan Ukpai, on his part, said the agency had been in the forefront of the investigation, arrest and prosecution of persons that were involved in human trafficking.

Ukpai, represented by the Head, Legal and Prosecution Unit of NAPTIP, Vivienne Ngene, added that the agency had devised different strategies and means to pop the areas of human trafficking across the country.

According to her, NAPTIP has recorded over 1,000 convictions nationwide since inception in 2003.

“We should end exploitation of our children now and this is a message to everybody that NAPTIP is still alive and are watching whoever that will involve in the issue of human trafficking.

“Enugu State Government has been supportive against human trafficking,” he said.

The zonal commander further defined human trafficking as recruitment, receipt of persons by means of deception, force, coercion for the purpose of exploitation.

Receiving them at the Ministry of Gender Affairs, Mrs Esther Mbah, the Director of Gender Affairs, Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, extolled the collaboration between the ministry and NAPTIP.

In a remark, the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council,
His Royal Majesty, Samuel Asadu, described human trafficking as a tragedy and a crime against God and humanity.

Asadu, represented by the Traditional Ruler of Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, HRH Chinedu Nwobodo, reiterated the commitment of royal fathers in the state in the fight against human trafficking. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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