NAPTIP, NIS Step Up Partnership to Tackle TIP and SOM in Nigeria
The Management of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have resolved to deepen operational collaboration and synergy to reduce the incidence of human trafficking and irregular migration in the Country.
This was the outcome of the courtesy visit of the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, on the Comptroller General of NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, as part of the strategic engagement with critical stakeholders whose roles are vital in the fight against human trafficking.
Speaking during the visit, Binta Adamu Bello, acknowledged the age-long support and cooperation from NIS which has resulted in the rescue of victims of human trafficking and arrest of traffickers.
She called for improved collaboration in the areas of investigation and Enforcement of the various counter-trafficking policies at the nation’s entry points to check the spate of irregular migration and human trafficking, information sharing, sensitization, capacity building for officers of both Agencies and the strict implementation of the Trafficking in Persons (Control of Activities of Organizations and Centres) Regulation 2019.
She said, “The Agency appreciates the continuous collaboration of the Nigeria Immigration Service for mutual benefit. Conducting investigations and taking action against trafficking in persons is very important, hence the Agency seeks the continuous support of the Service in this direction.
“Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants are both serious organized crimes. It requires a joint effort to minimize these heinous crimes. NAPTIP and NIS with similar mandates have a lot in common. It is essential for both Agencies to continue to establish a joint sensitization team on human trafficking and irregular migration most especially at the endemic border communities.
In her response, the CGI described both Agencies as partners working towards a common goal of minimizing human trafficking and irregular migration in the Country and assured that NIS will continue to work effectively with NAPTIP to achieve the desired support.
The NIS Comptroller General said “We are partners and we are stakeholders in our mandates. We have a joint mandate to prevent Trafficking in Persons. We are focused and committed to solving the problem of irregular migration and human trafficking in the country.
“We will continue to work together to achieve our common goal. We have taken the mantle to succeed and we shall improve our relationship and collaborate more”, she said.
The meeting was a clear indication of inter-agency cooperation and collaboration with its attendant increased efficiency between NAPTIP and NIS.
Vincent Adekoye
Press Officer.
