The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has commenced a five day capacity building workshop in the North East for officers, civil society organizations (CSOs), and state task force members on human trafficking.
NAN report that the workshop, which focuses on the use of harmonized data collection tools, is part of the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Human Trafficking in Nigeria, 2022-2026.
The project, titled From Policy to Action, is jointly funded by the Swiss Government and co-implemented by UNODC and NAPTIP.
In her address, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, represented by the Assistant Director of Research, Program and Development, Mr. Olatunji Rasheed, highlighted the critical role of data in combating human trafficking.
“This training underscores the importance of accurate and reliable data collection as the bedrock of effective anti-trafficking programming. With reliable data, we can track trends, allocate resources efficiently, and develop evidence-based strategies to combat human trafficking,” Bello said.
She noted that NAPTIP had recently reviewed its data collection tools to include critical components, such as disability indicators, to promote inclusive reporting. She added that the tools had been standardized to ensure accessibility and effectiveness across federal platforms, allowing multiple agencies to report under the NAP.
Bello urged participants to actively engage in the training, emphasizing their roles in data collection, repository management, and timely reporting to the National Reporting Hub.
Also speaking, the Country Representative of UNODC to Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, represented by Ms. Ifeoma Kenebi, Project Officer, Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Unit, commended NAPTIP’s relentless efforts in combating human trafficking.
She said “UNODC remains a long-standing partner in helping Nigeria address transnational organized crime, including human trafficking. The development and refinement of the NAP reporting framework and harmonized data tools are crucial to achieving our shared goals,” Toure said.
Kenebi acknowledged the Swiss Government’s invaluable support and urged participants to focus on understanding the reporting tools across the five pillars of the NAP.
“The workshop will cover the technical aspects of the reporting tools, ethical considerations, and best practices for data sharing and communication among stakeholders.
“Participants are expected to step down the training to other members of their organizations to ensure uniformity in reporting.
“The training has already been conducted in the North Central, North West, and South South geopolitical zones, with positive outcomes. The North East session is expected to yield similar results, contributing to the nationwide effort to eradicate human trafficking,”he said.
He encouraged the participants to remain focused and actively participate to maximize the impact of the training.
She added that the workshop will also feature presentations by seasoned experts, group activities, and practical sessions to enhance participants’ skills and understanding of the harmonized tools.
In his remarks, The Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mohammed Barde, emphasized the critical role of accurate reporting in addressing human trafficking, which continues to threaten the safety and dignity of vulnerable citizens.
Barde said that the five-day training aims to strengthen the capacity of NAPTIP officers, civil society organizations, and state task force members to track, monitor, and respond to trafficking cases effectively.
He noted that the tools, developed through consultations with stakeholders, will enhance national response mechanisms, improve coordination among agencies, and better protect victims’ rights.
The training will cover technical aspects of the reporting tools, ethical considerations, and best practices for data sharing and communication.
Barde urged participants to approach the training with dedication and a commitment to eliminating human trafficking in Nigeria.
Earlier Speaking, The National President of the Network Against Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour (NACTAL), Abdulganiyu Abubakar, represented by the Borno Coordinator, Umar Gambo, commended the efforts of stakeholders and participants in addressing the scourge of human trafficking in Nigeria.
He noted that the fight against human trafficking requires collective action, as it poses a grave threat to the safety and dignity of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
These tools, he explained, are designed to enhance national data collection systems, strengthen inter agency coordination, and improve overall response mechanisms.
He emphasized that this initiative would lead to more evidence based interventions and ultimately help dismantle trafficking networks while protecting the rights of victims.
Abubakar also called for strengthened partnerships among NAPTIP officers, civil society organizations, and state task force members, ensuring a holistic and united approach to combating this crime.