.jpeg)
By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| Comptroller Abdullahi Adamu (pcc) and Representatives of partner organizations |
MAEJT Nigeria (Movement for the Welfare of Children and Youth), TAEF, CAPRIGHT, DEVATOP, CHETACHI, EMAJO Initiative, and Kanem Care, in collaboration with Nigerian Immigration Service (Seme Border Command) to commemorate 2025 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
As part of the commemoration, a workshop was held on July 30th, 2025, at the ECOWAS Complex, Seme Border, Badagry, Lagos State. The event brought together Immigration officers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to develop strategies for tackling the growing menace of human trafficking in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Comptroller Abdullahi Adamu (PCC) of the Seme Border Command commended MAEJT Nigeria for spearheading the initiative, emphasizing the urgent need for a united front. “Trafficking is not just a crime; it strips victims of their dignity and freedom,” he declared.
Adamu stressed that combating trafficking requires multi-sectoral efforts involving government agencies, law enforcement, NGOs, and international partners. He urged participants to leverage the workshop to share intelligence, improve victim protection, and dismantle trafficking networks operating across borders.
Elizabeth Odion, MAEJT Nigeria’s Program Manager, reinforced the 2025 global theme and called for stronger policies and enforcement measures. “Human trafficking is one of the worst human rights violations of our time,” she said, commending the Nigerian Immigration Service for its vital role in border security and victim rescue.
Elizabeth stressed the importance of prevention, prosecution, and survivor support, urging stakeholders to close gaps in reporting mechanisms and law enforcement strategies to strengthen the fight against Human trafficking.
Barr. Ugozi Arinze, Vice President of CAPRIGHT (Centre for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People), highlighted the relevant extant laws on trafficking in persons, and encouraged the immigration officers to be more proactive, and always listen to their gut feelings when faced with victims and traffickers. "Human trafficking business is such that needs tactical approach and meaningful national and international collaborations, for a possible eradication." She said.
She also emphasised that there is also a need to review the Trafficking in Persons(Prohibition)Enforcement and Administration Act,2015 for Stiffer penalties and possible deterrence.
Oke Jones, Coordinator of TAEF (Tmidi and Ayamba Empowerment Foundation), highlighted Nigeria’s status as a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking. “Our young women are trafficked abroad, boys forced into labor, and children sold into domestic slavery,” she lamented. Jones urging a four-pillar approach: prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships.
As part of its contribution, DEVATOP introduced the Talkam App, a digital platform designed to report and document cases of human trafficking and other human rights abuses. Participants agreed on the need for better victim rehabilitation, stricter penalties for traffickers, and community sensitization programs to reduce vulnerability.