The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, in Niger State has pledged to support the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, in combating human trafficking and child labour in the state.
The state chairperson of FIDA, Mrs Bolanle Jibogun, during a courtesy visit to NAPTIP’s state commander, Mr Emmanuel Awhen, reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights of women and children through partnership with the agency.
Mrs Jibogun noted that the Violence Against Persons, VAP law, domesticated in Niger State since 2020, had given NAPTIP more powers to tackle human trafficking and violence against women and children.
She stressed, “the VAP law replaced the penal code law which carried more severe punishment on offenders particularly any offence against girl-child, women including male child.
“And, the VAP law has given the NAPTIP more powers than other security agencies, because NAPTIP activities are clearly explained in the law.”
She then assured NAPTIP of FIDA’s unwavering support in their fight against human trafficking.
Mr Awhen, in his response, commended FIDA for their visit and pledged to engage stakeholders to reduce human trafficking in Niger State.
He revealed that some communities in Mokwa, Kutigi, and Enagi were involved in trafficking under-aged girls for domestic work in Lagos.
According to him, against this backdrop, NAPTIP plans to launch a sensitisation programme to educate community leaders about the dangers of human trafficking.
