FG pledges adequate protection for victims of human trafficking

THE Federal Government has expressed commitment towards ensuring adequate care and protection of the victims of human trafficking across the nation. Most of the victims of this modern slave trade are usually under-age girls and boys trafficked for prostitution and exploitative labour.

Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Barrister Julie Okah-Donli, gave the government’s commitment while touring the Abuja Shelter of the Agency as part of her familiarisation visit to NAPTIP facilities in Abuja.

Head, Press and Public Relations, NAPTIP, Josiah Emerole, confirmed that the new NAPTIP boss also visited the Federal Secretariat annex of the Headquarters which houses the Library and the Training Resource Centre of the Agency.

Okah-Donli, who was moved by the stories of the victims and the warm reception they accorded her said that under her watch, no victim of human trafficking in the shelters of the Agency would be discriminated against, no matter the person’s nationality.

She said: “This is an international Agency that must operate according to international standards. We must show proper care and affection to these young people who are under our care. It is not their fault that they were exploited and their future temporarily halted. Under my watch, no victim will face any abuse or discrimination.’’

She, however, urged the Counsellors and Care givers in all NAPTIP Shelters to brace up for more work ahead as she would always task them to ensure that all procedures for care, protection and assistance for victims of human trafficking were not compromised.

While at the Shelter, she watched some of the victims’ display some of the skills learned and also admired some of the item they produced including, cloths, bags, beads amongst others.