Nigeria has long struggled against human trafficking, leading to the creation of NAPTIP, but the problem persists as traffickers find new ways to operate. A 2022 report estimated that 750,000 to one million people are trafficked yearly in Nigeria, which is a major source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking.
NAPTIP was established in 2003 to combat the trend, but its efforts, though commendable, have not stopped the problem as expected. The government, however, continues to look for ways to end the issue.
Reports of Nigerians being mistreated in Libya, Niger, and Chad, many of whom were trafficking victims, recently angered the Federal Government.
In a key move against trafficking, Nigeria partnered with France and Italy to strengthen the fight against human trafficking and related crimes. A Common Operational Partnership, COP, was signed in Abuja, earmarking €1.43 million for the joint operation until June 2027, co-funded by the European Union, EU.
EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the project has two goals: first, to improve NAPTIP officials’ ability to dismantle trafficking networks and protect victims, and second, to strengthen regional and international cooperation against these crimes. He explained the practical methodology involves needs assessment, tailored training, equipment, and daily mentoring to build trust and ensure lasting results. He also noted that the EU’s new 2026 strategy on combating human trafficking will continue cooperation with origin and transit countries.
French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier called the partnership a strong commitment to human dignity and a moral duty for all nations. He stressed that trafficking is a silent but devastating scourge that destroys lives, mainly victimizing women and children through exploitation and abuse. He noted that powerful, organized criminal networks exploit poverty and instability. Since this is a global threat, no country can act alone. He said the joint effort with Italy and Nigeria will combine expertise and resources to dismantle networks, protect victims, and prevent tragedies. The project aims to strengthen law enforcement, especially NAPTIP, improve information sharing, promote joint investigations, and coordinate victim support, continuing commitments made to international bodies. He said the project reflects a commitment to mutual trust and shared responsibility on the ground.
NAPTIP Director General Binta Adamu Bello, represented by Josiah Emerole, called the partnership a strategic chance to consolidate achievements and adopt evidence-based methods for tackling human trafficking. She said the project focuses on four pillars: joint needs assessment, training and mentoring, operational support, and geographic focus. The COP framework will enhance investigation, prosecution, and victim-centered interventions, and promote intelligence sharing and operations among NAPTIP’s zonal commands and West African partners. The project will start with pilot implementation in key target states along high-risk trafficking routes: Cross River, Osun, Katsina, and the FCT. She praised the Governments of France and Italy, CIVIPOL, and the EU for their support, expertise, and commitment, expressing confidence that the COP project will lead to stronger investigations, more successful prosecutions, and better victim support. She urged stakeholders to unite and focus, believing the COP project can become a benchmark for regional cooperation.
Representatives from ICMPD and CIVIPOL also hoped the COP Project’s proper implementation would bring better results in the fight against human trafficking.
Regarding the maltreatment of Nigerians abroad, the government lamented receiving constant calls from trafficked Nigerians seeking to return. Federal Commissioner Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed of the NCFRMI confirmed this during a webinar, assuring that the government is working to ensure the release and return of those trafficked in Libya and other parts of the world. He added that the government plans to gather data on all Nigerians who left irregularly, emphasizing that accurate data is crucial for effective migration governance.
The partnership with France and Italy has been well-received. Migration expert Mr. Osita Osemne praised the collaboration as essential for winning the fight against trafficking, which he said the current system is not doing enough to discourage. He insisted the new partnership will enable massive campaigns against the problem. He noted that partnering with Italy, a major entry point to Europe for trafficked persons, is a master stroke. He suggested that apart from funding the war, the money could resettle returnees to prevent further irregular migration attempts. He warned that unassisted returnees often become dangerous traffickers and smugglers themselves. He also said the partnership could provide training and use returnees as effective campaign advocates and ambassadors against irregular migration because of their firsthand knowledge.
Migration expert Tayo Adenuga said traffickers succeed because many Nigerians are easily deceived into believing foreign travel is the only way to succeed, leading to disappointment when they face harsh reality abroad. He said NAPTIP and other agencies struggle to correct this impression, especially among youth. He expressed confidence that the partnership will solve funding issues, leading to more robust campaigns and empowerment programs for returnees and potential migrants. He encouraged the government to seek more such collaborations.
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