The European Union has announced that it will fund two new projects to further combat the menace of human trafficking in Nigeria.

Franklin Nguendia, EU Migration Liaison Officer, revealed this on Monday in Abuja at a policy high-level meeting on the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) on human trafficking in Nigeria.

The meeting was organised by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Mr Nguendia said the interventions include a national project focused on Nigeria and a regional project covering West Africa.

The projects are: “Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria (Component 3),” worth 8 million euros and which started on Oct. 1, and “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa Phase 2,” covering ECOWAS members and Mauritania.

He said the 32,430-euro regional project was signed in May, adding that it would be implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), International Labour Organisation (ILO), and International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).

According to him, the project will support border management and the fight against trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants at both ECOWAS and national levels.

He said the national project focused on Nigeria would be implemented by UNODC and the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP).

The project, he added, would support the fight against human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.

Cheikh Toure, the country representative for UNODC Nigeria, said the meeting aimed to transform policies into action, adding that it was also part of discussions to actualise the NAP 2022-2026.

Represented by Danilo Campisi, the deputy country representative of UNODC, Mr Toure commended NAPTIP for its efforts in combating human trafficking in Nigeria.

He said the agency’s dedication has been essential in making significant progress toward eradicating the crime, and he praised the government of Switzerland for its support to Nigeria.

Mr Toure noted that NAPTIP and the Swiss government’s commitment to the fight against human trafficking underscores the global significance of the issue and the need for continued collaboration at all levels.

“As many of you know, UNODC has been a longstanding partner in helping Nigeria address the threats posed by Transnational Organised Crime (TOC), including human trafficking.

“Our mandate as the custodian of the protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons, especially of women and children, is to enhance capacities to tackle these challenges and to foster international cooperation, with a focus on building effective criminal justice systems.

“This high-level meeting is crucial, as it unites key decision-makers and stakeholders who play a significant role in the successful implementation of NAP 2022-2026. It marks an important transition from developing the NAP to effectively implementing it.

“Today, we will review reports on counter-human trafficking efforts from key ministries, departments, and agencies, identify priority actions for 2025, and engage in interactive sessions to gather valuable feedback,” he said.

The attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to tackling human trafficking, noting that over 40 million people are affected worldwide.

Mr Fagbemi, represented by Roselyn Tacha, director of the citizens’ rights department at the ministry of justice, said human trafficking has continued to flourish across the globe.

According to him, the federal government is fully committed to addressing the menace, and is partnering with relevant agencies to dismantle human trafficking networks in Nigeria.

Also, Binta Adamu-Bello, director-general of NAPTIP, stated that combating human trafficking requires a coordinated response that involves all arms of government and civil society organisations (CSOs).

She said the meeting was designed to serve as an annual platform where stakeholders could collectively review reports, plan, and assess progress in the fight against human trafficking and identify existing gaps.

Mrs Bello added that it also provides a platform for stakeholders to have in-depth discussions, share insights, and chart the way forward for the next phase of implementation.

According to her, the NAP is an ambitious and comprehensive framework with clear goals for the eradication of human trafficking in Nigeria, and its success depends on the commitment and collaboration of every institution and individual represented at the meeting.

(NAN)