Irregular migration: NAPTIP seeks closer collaboration with ANEEJ
A delegation from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Benin Zonal Command led by the new Zonal Commander, Aganran Ganiu Alao paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) at the corporate Head office in Benin City, Edo State on Thursday 18th July, 2024. His entourage included Joan Ojiewa, Head of the Public Enlightenment Unit, and Obi Onyebuchi, Public Relations Officer.
The visit was aimed at a formal introduction of the new zonal commander and seeking continued collaboration with ANEEJ in tackling the pervasive issues of human trafficking, irregular migration, and youth involvement in crime in Edo State. The ANEEJ team, led by Deputy Executive Director Comrade Leo Atakpu, warmly received the delegation on behalf of Executive Director Rev. David Ugolor.
In his remarks, Mr. Aganran expressed gratitude to ANEEJ for their indispensable role in youth empowerment and crime prevention initiatives in Edo State and emphasized the importance of sustaining the partnership between NAPTIP and ANEEJ. He also noted that ANEEJ is the first office he has visited since assuming his new role as zonal commander in the state.
Mr. Aganran highlighted the critical role that Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play in combating trafficking in persons (TIP). He acknowledged ANEEJ’s steadfast commitment to addressing this issue and stressed the need to tackle organized crime, including human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. Citing a 2022 NAPTIP research report, he revealed that 69% of recorded trafficking cases were internal, while external trafficking, often involving travel without proper documentation or via illegal routes, accounted for 31%.
The NAPTIP Zonal Commander lauded the Brighter Futures project, implemented by ANEEJ and TAG International with support from the UK Home Office, which focuses on building youth resilience to crime through mentorship sessions and vocational skills empowerment. He also noted the urgency of addressing human trafficking as it is growing unabatedly in Europe and other parts of the world, where many illegal immigrants from Nigeria and other parts of Africa are living without proper documentation and are involved in organized crime.
In his response, Comrade Leo Atakpu assured the delegation of ANEEJ’s commitment to supporting NAPTIP’s efforts to combat irregular migration and human trafficking. He emphasized that CSOs have been supporting and will continue to support NAPTIP at the state level as well as the national level, led by NAPTIP Director General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi.
Atakpu also noted that the current economic hardship in Nigeria drives many youths and vulnerable citizens into organized crime out of desperation for survival, and specifically mentioned the “Japa” syndrome as a critical issue.
He reiterated that CSOs will continue to raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and other serious and organized crimes (SOC) and will collaborate with NAPTIP, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to address these challenges. Atakpu reaffirmed ANEEJ’s commitment to sustaining the partnership with NAPTIP and supporting Mr. Aganran’s new administration to achieve meaningful change in combating TIP and SOC.
The meeting concluded with NAPTIP new zonal commander of Benin zonal command, Ganiu Aganran presenting NAPTIP IEC materials to ANEEJ Deputy Executive Director, Leo Atakpu.
This visit underscores the vital collaboration between NAPTIP and ANEEJ in addressing the pressing issues of human trafficking and irregular migration. Through continued partnership and joint efforts, both organizations aim to create a safer and more secure environment for the youth and other vulnerable groups to thrive in Edo State and beyond.
Photos of the courtesy visit to ANEEJ Secretariat below:
