With the recent deaths of 26 young Nigerian girls aboard a Spanish Vessel enroute to Europe; the number of Nigerians who have tried crossing over into Europe through Libya and are now begging to come back home; and the other cases of domestic and international human trafficking and illegal migration that we see in the news, this meeting with NAPTIP provided myself and my Distinguished Colleagues with an opportunity to reassess Nigeria’s preparedness to address this illegal migration and human trafficking issue that has become a national priority.
As a nation, we have a responsibility to do the right thing. Trafficking is something that we must face head-on now, as it is escalating to a crisis level. However, due to its scarce resources, it is clear that over the years, NAPTIP has not been a priority in budgeting and appropriation. Moving forward, working with my colleagues in the Senate and the National Assembly, through the 2018 appropriations process, we will work to provide adequate funding for this crucial agency in order to make it more effective to deliver on its mandate.
I have also asked NAPTIP to: let us know if there are any areas in the NAPTIP Act of 2015 that needs to be enhanced to bring about more effective performance; ensure that they collaborate effectively with our security agencies in order to stop the rising menace of criminal cartels that are benefitting from trafficking in persons; and work with state governments across the nation to rehabilitate rescued victims of trafficking.
Finally, it must be noted that one major takeaway from my meeting earlier this week with the European Union delegation, is that they are ready, willing and able to collaborate with us and provide support in combating this human trafficking issue on the international front. I have urged NAPTIP to explore this option.
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