NAPTIP and Nigeria Shippers’ Council Join Forces to Combat Human Trafficking via Waterways
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| NAPTIP and Nigeria Shippers’ Council Join Forces to Combat Human Trafficking via Waterways |
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) to curb human trafficking activities through Nigeria’s waterways and coastal regions.
This landmark collaboration, announced on Wednesday by NAPTIP’s spokesperson, Vincent Adekoye, comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen inter-agency cooperation in the fight against human trafficking — a crime that has become increasingly sophisticated and transnational.
Why This Partnership Matters
According to Binta Adamu-Bello, Director-General of NAPTIP, the agency has recently intensified its operations at land borders, which has forced traffickers to divert their illicit activities to maritime routes. She explained that the shipping and logistics sector plays a critical role in preventing these crimes by identifying suspicious movements and reporting them early.
“The NSC oversees critical gateways to Nigeria’s trade and transportation systems, which unfortunately are sometimes exploited by human traffickers to move victims via vessels and other maritime routes,” Adamu-Bello stated.
She emphasized that strengthening the maritime sector’s involvement in anti-trafficking initiatives will boost early detection, prevention, and reporting mechanisms.
NSC’s Role in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Speaking during NAPTIP’s courtesy visit to the council’s headquarters, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, described human trafficking as one of the most heinous transnational organised crimes that thrives due to its evolving nature and complex network.
“The maritime sector is a veritable means through which traffickers transport victims to other countries. It is our duty to ensure this channel is not exploited for such criminal activities,” Ukeyima said.
He stressed that tackling human trafficking requires collective action from all stakeholders, adding that NSC is fully committed to supporting NAPTIP’s mission.
Strategic Goals of the Partnership
The NAPTIP–NSC collaboration aims to:
- Enhance Surveillance in Maritime Transport – Increase monitoring of vessels, cargo shipments, and coastal activities.
- Improve Reporting Channels – Equip maritime operators with hotlines and digital reporting tools to alert authorities of suspicious activities.
- Capacity Building – Provide specialized training for shipping and port officials to recognize and respond to trafficking red flags.
- Strengthen Legal Enforcement – Develop legal frameworks that hold shipping companies accountable for complicity in trafficking cases.
Immediate Actions Taken
As part of the agreement, both agencies have set up an interim inter-agency committee to establish operational guidelines and a clear framework for counter-trafficking collaboration. This committee will also design intelligence-sharing protocols between NAPTIP, NSC, and other maritime security agencies.
The Bigger Picture
Human trafficking is a global crisis, and Nigeria remains one of the source, transit, and destination countries for victims. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has consistently highlighted the role of maritime transport in transnational crimes, making partnerships like this one crucial for breaking trafficking networks.
If you suspect human trafficking activities, you can report directly to NAPTIP or call their 24-hour hotline for immediate intervention.
By working hand-in-hand, NAPTIP and the Nigeria Shippers’ Council are taking a strong stand against traffickers, sending a clear message that Nigeria’s maritime gateways will no longer be safe havens for criminals.
