NAPTIP Partners with The Canadian Government

Receives a donation of two vehicles

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In a significant boost to Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking, the Canadian government’s intervention has been remarkable, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) received two brand-new 4×4 vehicles from the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jamie Christoff, through the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada funded project implemented by the Ark Group DMCC. The handing over of these vehicles to NAPTIP marked a pivotal moment in the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat controlling and reducing trafficking in persons.

The official handover ceremony took place on September 6th, 2023, at the NAPTIP Headquarters in Abuja. The event was graced by the Director General of NAPTIP, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi, and the Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Jamie Christoff.

During the event, Ambassador Jamie Christoff acknowledged the severity of human trafficking as a societal scourge and expressed Canada’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s anti-human trafficking efforts. He emphasized that the donation of the vehicles would significantly enhance NAPTIP’s capacity to prevent and combat human trafficking within the country, highlighting the shared commitment of both nations in the global fight against this grave issue.

In the same token, the Director General of NAPTIP, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Canadian government for the generous donation of utility vehicles. She lauded the impactful counter-trafficking initiatives supported by the Canadian Government in recent years which has yielded measurable results and outcomes.

The collaboration between the Canadian government and NAPTIP is making significant strides in the ongoing battle against human trafficking in Nigeria. With the donation of these vehicles, NAPTIP’s mission to combat these heinous crimes of human trafficking and violence against persons has received a substantial boost, and the partnership stands as a shining example of international cooperation in the fight for a world free from human trafficking.

For the past two decades, NAPTIP has tirelessly and strategically tackled human trafficking, a crime known for its clandestine nature. Despite the challenges, the agency has consistently achieved remarkable progress in its fight against this heinous crime. Partnership remains one of NAPTIP’s 5 prong approaches in the fight against human trafficking.

Recognizing NAPTIP’s dedication, impact and verifiable outputs, the Canadian government stepped in to support the Agency in its fight against human trafficking under the expanded NAPTIP on the Move Road Awareness Campaign Project. This invaluable support has led to significant enhancements of the Agency’s operations, including the development and deployment of a rebranded NAPTIP’s mobile iReporter app and NAPTIP Learning Management System.

Other remarkable outcome of this partnership is the “NAPTIP on the Move” bus campaign against human trafficking, which originated from a co-creation workshop Facilitated by the Ark Group in 2020. This campaign has successfully sensitized over 2000 bus drivers from various companies in NIgeria, such as GUO Transport, Young Shall Grow, Ifesinachi, ABC Transport, and Chisco.

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Humanizing Offenders and Strengthening Partnerships

UK Government Renovates NAPTIP Holding Facilities

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In demonstration of the renewed commitment to the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Richard Montgomery, CMG, and the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, jointly unveiled the recently renovated NAPTIP holding facility at its Headquarters on Friday, September 15th, 2023. This pivotal renovation project, funded by the UK Home Office, stands as a testament to the long-standing and successful partnership between NAPTIP and the United Kingdom in the relentless fight against modern slavery and human trafficking.

The 2015 Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act empowers NAPTIP to arrest, retain and detain individuals under the suspicion of all forms of human trafficking as provided for in the Act. In alignment with the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence which presumes that anyone accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty, and guided by a human rights-oriented approach throughout all its activities, the Agency found it necessary to remodel its detention facility making it more habitable for suspects.

In her address, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi highlighted the substantial impact of the enduring collaboration between the United Kingdom Home Office and NAPTIP, a partnership that has consistently yielded tangible outcomes. She emphasized that recognizing the humanity of those in detention is essential. Prof. Waziri-Azi expressed her heartfelt gratitude to High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, for his presence at the event.

British High Commissioner Mr. Richard Montgomery, CMG, in his remarks, commended the Director General and her dedicated team for their commendable work. He acknowledged the sensitive and challenging nature of combating human trafficking and stressed that the event was a testament to the effectiveness of the partnership between both countries. Mr. Montgomery also praised NAPTIP’s impressive achievements over the past two decades and expressed his anticipation of another 20 years of fruitful collaboration between the UK Home Office, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and NAPTIP.

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Collaborating for Children in Crisis: Unlocking Opportunities for Greater Impact

NAPTIP DG joins Panel Discussion at the University of Oxford: Insights and Perspectives

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On September 21, 2023, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi spoke at the 2023 Oxford Inside Out hosted by the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Oxford Inside Out which spanned from September 19th to 21st, 2023, is a festival of engagement with a diverse programme of workshops in which researchers from across Oxford, and their partners, share their experience through workshops, case studies, plenaries and networking opportunities.  The aim of the conference is to showcase best practice, successes, (and challenges) of collaborative research and opportunities for engagement from across the University.

The DG participated in a live panel discussion with the central theme “Collaborating for Children in Crisis: Unlocking Opportunities for Greater Impact”. It was a gathering of minds dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to addressing the challenges faced by children and families in crisis situations. This thought-provoking session was thoughtfully curated by the Global Parenting Initiative, Department of Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford.

The panel delved deep into the myriad of opportunities, challenges, intricacies, and practical recommendations related to fostering collaborative efforts with policymakers and the communities directly affected by humanitarian crises. The discussions were aimed at devising effective strategies to support and uplift children and families grappling with the harsh realities of such crises.

Prof. Waziri-Azi shared the platform with distinguished co-panelists whose expertise added valuable dimensions to the discourse. These esteemed colleagues included: Dr. Chris Berry MBE, Senior Education Adviser, Education in Emergencies and Protracted Crises Lead at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO); Dr. Aala El-Khani, an Independent Consultant with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); and Mr. Khayam Husain, Co-Founder & Trustee of the Karachi Relief Trust in Pakistan, an organization dedicated to humanitarian relief efforts.

The engaging panel discussion took place at the St. Anthony’s College, nestled within the University of Oxford. The session was moderated by Dr. Isang Awah, the Head of Advocacy at the Global Parenting Initiative.

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NAPTIP’s Language Initiative

Strengthening the Global Fight Against Human Trafficking

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To enhance its international collaboration and communication capabilities, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) created a Language Unit in 2019 under the office of the Director-General to enhance effective communication locally and globally. The leadership of Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi has taken a proactive step by enrolling more officers in foreign and inclusive language courses, including French, German and Sign Language. This initiative, in collaboration with the French Institute in Nigeria and the German Embassy, marks a crucial stride in NAPTIP’s mission to combat human trafficking on a global scale.

The need for officers proficient in foreign languages stems from the complexity of international human trafficking cases. NAPTIP often encounters situations where survivors or suspects involved in trafficking do not speak English but still require the Agency’s support, particularly in areas such as counseling, rehabilitation, and repatriation. To bridge this communication gap effectively, NAPTIP recognized the importance of equipping its officers with linguistic skills that would enable them to interact with individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

By investing in language training, NAPTIP aims to streamline its operations, making it easier to engage with survivors and suspects alike, thereby facilitating more efficient investigations and appropriate actions. The 2023 French Language Course marks the sixth time that officers have been nominated to attend such courses, emphasizing the Agency’s dedication to this crucial aspect of its operations. The most recent French course, initiated on September 18th, 2023, is expected to run for three to four months.

To date, a total of 75 officers have been nominated to attend the French language course. The training duration for both French and German languages is set at four months, ensuring that officers achieve a basic level of proficiency to facilitate effective communication within the agency’s areas of interest.

Furthermore, NAPTIP’s commitment to inclusive communication extends to the ongoing sign language training. A total of 12 officers are currently participating in sign language classes, highlighting the agency’s dedication to addressing diverse communication needs. By equipping its officers with language skills, NAPTIP is better prepared to fulfill its mission, ensuring that no linguistic barrier hinders the pursuit of justice and the protection of victims in the fight against human trafficking on the international stage.

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