Abuja: The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has initiated a comprehensive nationwide step-down training focusing on improved data collection as part of Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Human Trafficking. This initiative seeks to bolster the country’s efforts in developing data-driven responses to the pervasive issue of human trafficking.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop was inaugurated by the Director-General of NAPTIP, Mrs. Binta Bello, who was represented by Mr. Jonathan Ukpai, the South-East Zonal Commander of the agency. The training marks a significant step in the execution of the project titled ‘From Policy to Action: Implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria (2022-2026)’. In 2024, NAPTIP conducted an internal review of its data collection tools, introducing enhancements such as disability indicators to ensure inclusive and precise reporting.
The agency collaborated with a consultant to refine these tools, aligning them with the project’s framework. This effort resulted in the development of a comprehensive national database and a dynamic data dashboard. The revised tools were pilot-tested during a training session for trainers held in Abuja from July 1 to July 5. The current workshop aims to disseminate this knowledge to NAPTIP officers, State Task Forces, and partner civil society organizations (CSOs).
Mrs. Bello extended her gratitude to the Swiss Government and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for their ongoing partnership and commitment to combating human trafficking in Nigeria.
Dr. Kingsley Udeh, the Enugu State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, lauded NAPTIP’s efforts in curbing human trafficking and pledged the state government’s support to facilitate the agency’s operations.
Mr. Josiah Emerole, NAPTIP’s Director of Research and Programme Development, highlighted the significance of data in the fight against human trafficking. Represented by his deputy director, Mr. Rasheed Olatunji, Emerole emphasized that the training aligns with the agency’s and the Federal Government’s focus on evidence-based performance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He noted that reliable data is essential for accountability and that participants were trained on the improved data collection tools designed to enhance evidence-based programming and coordination across various levels.
The workshop aims to strengthen data collection and reporting on the implementation of Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Human Trafficking.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Cheikh Toure, UNODC Country Representative, praised the dedication of stakeholders involved in Nigeria’s anti-trafficking efforts. He announced the upcoming launch of the National Action Plan Reporting Dashboard on July 30, coinciding with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Toure emphasized the importance of harmonized reporting tools that focus on gender responsiveness and disability inclusion. He also commended the Enugu State Government for supporting the NAPTIP State Task Force and highlighted the necessity of robust sub-national partnerships in ensuring the sustainability of counter-trafficking initiatives.
