NDDC partners NAPTIP on fight against human trafficking

THE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have agreed to work together to save the Niger Delta States from the claws of human traffickers.

The proposed collaboration would manifest in terms of massive awareness creation activities, training and empowerment of victims of human trafficking and other intervention programmes designed to reduce the vulnerability of the Niger Delta region in terms of human trafficking and illegal migration.

The collaboration would also seek to support of survivors of human trafficking as well as the vulnerable in the region.

Speaking during a courtesy visit on the management of the NDDC at its corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt as part of  her maiden official visit to Rivers State, the NAPTIP boss, who traced the existing work  relationship between the two parastatals to some years ago, disclosed that the agency is now reloaded to protect the nation from the activities of human traffickers, describing them as “enemies of the people”.

She explained that all the development plans of the Commission in the region might come to naught if conscious efforts were not made to protect the young people from the rampaging human traffickers, more so as the Niger Delta States were endemic to human trafficking especially with the coastal nature of the States and the presence of oil workers and expatriates.

She sought the partnership of the Commission in carrying out some activities especially awareness creation and skills acquisition for rescued victims and vulnerable persons in the region.

While drawing NDDC’s attention to the negative effects of human trafficking in the economic wellbeing of the nation especially the states within the Niger Delta, the NAPTIP DG called for better partnership between the two agencies for the purpose of nation building.

The NAPTIP boss commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDDC, Obong Nsima Ekere and the Commission for the people – centered projects that are changing the stories of the people in Niger Delta region and bringing peace and development within the region.

Managing Director/CEO pledged the readiness of NDDC to work with the Agency in the region to stem the tide of trafficking.

He said “Your job is quite challenging because you are trying to contain the vices of men. Human trafficking is a challenge to humanity and challenges the very essence of our Christianity”.

While condemning those involved in trafficking he called for an increased engagement between the two Agencies adding that the Commission was ready to partner with NAPTIP as partners in progress.

He pledged to look at areas of cooperation with NAPTIP especially for the benefit of the victims and vulnerable ones. ‘We need to keep our people safe and grow the family system’, he further added.