NAPTIP, ICMPD Unveil ‘STEAP Project’ to Tackle Human Trafficking in Nigeria.

A new synergy and improved collaboration in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria has been unveiled by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) with the launch of a project Tagged “Schools Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project” (STEAP).

The flagship project launch which took place at the premises of the Government Secondary School, Gwarimpa, Abuja, is being funded by the Kingdom of Netherlands and it is designed to enrich the knowledge of students in the selected States in Nigeria, on issues of human trafficking and other forms of abuses, reduce their vulnerability, and build their confidence to speak out.

Precisely, it will support the Government of Nigeria, specifically Edo, Delta, Ogun, Enugu, and Benue States in the fight against human trafficking through increased awareness within the school community. The project will ensure the reintegration of returned Trafficking in Human Being (THB) victims of school–age, into the school system, while providing specialized psychosocial support to victims below 16 years of age. Older victims will be referred to NAPTIP or other THB-focused organizations for specialized care among other well-packed benefits.

This project was birthed in the presence of an array of stakeholders which included a Delegation from the Netherlands led by the Minister for Migration at the Ministry of Justice and Security, Mr. Eric Van Der Burg, Members of the State Task Forces on Human Trafficking, and Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice from Edo, Ogun, Enugu, Benue and Delta States, Zonal Commanders of NAPTIP from the aforementioned States, members of the Civil Society Organization under the umbrella of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) led by its National President, Mr. Abduganiu Abubakar, Representatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Local Education Authorities as well as Principals and Teachers of the invited Schools, Officers of NAPTIP and ICMPD, Media Partners as well as Students of the Government Secondary School, Dutse Alhaji and Gwarimpa.

Speaking at the ceremony shortly before the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ICMPD and NAPTIP, the Director of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri–Azi, Ph.D., described the project as a build-up on the existing Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Persons Vanguard which the Agency had launched in several schools across the Country.

The DG said, “Since 2016, NAPTIP and ICMPD have been working together in the area of curbing trafficking in persons in Nigeria and one of the projects we have implemented was the infusion of TIP issues into the basic and senior secondary schools. Also, as an Agency, since December 2021, we have been inaugurating this same vanguard all across Nigeria. As of today, we inaugurated the Vanguard in 108 Secondary schools across the Country. These are federal Government schools, Faith-based Secondary Schools, and Military secondary schools including the FCT school for the deaf.

“And this STEAP project basically scaled up the project we have been doing over the years with ICPMD and part of the outcomes of this STEAP project is to inaugurate this Vanguard in an additional 250 Schools across the 5 States and we are very excited about that. We all know that when it comes to tackling human trafficking in Nigeria, different approaches need to be employed. But when we talk about prevention, it is key. And the reason why we focus on young people, we focus on Secondary students is because they are the target group. This project will help to enhance their capacity in terms of recognizing what the red flags are. When people come to try to sell them a dream that may not come to pass, they will know what it entails. We know Prevention reduces vulnerability, it leads to early intervention” the NAPTIP Director General stated.

Speaking also, the Head, ICMPD West Africa, Dr.  Mojisole Shodeinde, said the project is part of the commitment of ICMPD with the support of its partners in complementing the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria in combating human trafficking in the Country.

She said, “The STEAP Project is our bold response to this challenge. Rooted in the understanding that awareness and education are powerful tools, STEAP aims to transform schools into fortresses of knowledge and empowerment against human trafficking. We are focusing on a ‘whole of school community’ approach, which involves students, teachers, parents, and the wider community.

“Our objective is clear: to significantly reduce the trafficking of school-aged children in Nigeria and beyond”

“Our strategy encompasses several key areas. First, we are integrating human trafficking awareness into the school curriculum. Knowledge is power, and by educating our children about the dangers and signs of trafficking, we empower them to protect themselves and others.

“Secondly, we are investing in training for teachers and school staff. These dedicated individuals are on the front lines, and with the right training, they can be pivotal in identifying and preventing potential cases of trafficking.

“Thirdly. we are establishing school clubs in high–risk areas. These clubs will serve as safe spaces for students to engage, discuss, and learn about human trafficking. They will also be center for peer education, where students can empower each other”, the ICPMD Head clearly stated.

In his speech, the visiting Minister for Migration and the Ministry of Justice and Security of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Mr. Eric van Der Burg said “The only way we can truly combat human trafficking is by working together to share priorities in the areas such as prevention protection and prosecution. The Government of the Kingdom of Netherlands is keen to continue its partnership and is delighted to be launching this unique project today.

“We are already working together to set up a mechanism to counter human trafficking such as the cross-border project between Nigeria and Niger. However, we also need to work jointly on a long-term preventive approach”, the Dutch Minister said.

The high point of the ceremony was the signing of the MOU by the DG of NAPTIP and the Head, ICMPD, West Africa.

Adekoye Vincent
Communication Officer