Abuja: Ms. Paola Pace, Deputy Head of Mission at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has highlighted the urgent necessity to focus on both the prevention and prosecution of trafficking in persons. She emphasized the importance of these efforts in eradicating the crime within Nigeria during an award ceremony for the third edition of a short film contest aimed at combating trafficking, held on Thursday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the contest, which drew 80 entries in 2025, serves as a critical platform for young Nigerians to employ storytelling to raise awareness about trafficking, drawing from real-life experiences. ‘We started in 2023 with 40 submissions, then 50, and now 80. This shows growing interest among youth to join the fight against trafficking through creative storytelling,’ Pace noted. She underscored the importance of targeting both prevention and prosecution, pointing out that traffickers are motivated by financial gain. ‘Freezing traffickers’ assets and using those funds to support survivors is crucial. At the same time, reducing the number of people lured by false promises is essential,’ Pace added.
Kehinde Akomolafe, Director of Public Enlightenment at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), praised IOM’s efforts in heightening awareness that traffickers could be individuals close to victims, such as relatives or employers. She advocated for enhanced collaboration to end trafficking, which affects women, girls, boys, and men. ‘Thanks to IOM’s support, we have carried out numerous sensitisation programmes and trained judges for designated human trafficking courts. We have secured more than 700 convictions and rescued more than 20,000 victims,’ Akomolafe stated. She also called for increased awareness to dismantle the culture of silence that impedes progress.
The contest winner, media strategist and storyteller, Babalola Oluwatobi, underscored the significance of advocacy in preventing trafficking. ‘People often overlook the involvement of close friends and family in trafficking networks, which demands serious attention,’ he remarked. Jayeoba David and Ndulue Emmanuel secured second and third place, respectively. The annual short film contest, launched in 2023, awards $2,500 for first prize, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third place. It aims to foster public engagement and promote creative storytelling in the battle against human trafficking in Nigeria.
