By Mercy Omoike/Nefishetu Yakubu
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has called for stronger collaboration among governments, law enforcement agencies and international partners to combat human trafficking.
Officials of the organisation made the call during a question-and-answer session at an ongoing three-day training programme for journalists on Tuesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the training is: “From Headlines to Impact: A Capacity Building on Ethical and Data-driven Reporting on Migration in Nigeria.”
IOM Project Assistant, Mrs Fatima Adeyemi, said the responsibility for investigating and prosecuting traffickers in Nigeria rests primarily with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
According to her, IOM works closely with NAPTIP and other stakeholders to ensure that victims of trafficking receive protection while perpetrators are brought to justice.
Adeyemi said the organisation recently engaged members of the judiciary, including judges and Senior Advocates of Nigeria, to strengthen the prosecution and adjudication of trafficking-related offences.
She said the engagement was aimed at improving the legal response to trafficking and ensuring that offenders receive appropriate sanctions.
Also speaking, the Head of IOM Lagos Sub-Office, Mr Ali Ali Ibrahim, said the organisation serves as a technical partner to governments, providing support on migration-related issues.
Ibrahim explained that IOM had no prosecutorial mandate but supported governments through advocacy, technical assistance, migration data and direct protection services for vulnerable migrants.
He said the organisation also draws international attention to trafficking issues through research findings, migration data and operational evidence.
“We work with member states to strengthen legislation, improve prosecutorial capacities and provide technical support in addressing trafficking and migrant smuggling,” he said.
According to Ibrahim, IOM provides direct protection assistance to trafficked and smuggled persons, helping to remove them from exploitative situations and connect them with support services.
He described trafficking in persons as a transnational crime that requires coordinated action across countries and institutions because of its complex and cross-border nature.
Ibrahim said IOM had continued to support governments in building regional alliances and strengthening international cooperation to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable populations.
He urged journalists and members of the public to report cases involving trafficked or vulnerable migrants, assuring that IOM would facilitate access to protection and assistance.
Ibrahim also identified the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other international agencies as key partners in the global fight against human trafficking.
He stressed the need for information sharing, collective action and sustained partnerships to effectively tackle trafficking and migrant exploitation across the region. (NAN)
DMO/NY/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
