National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has criticised corruption, weak legislation, and inefficient judicial processes for facilitating human trafficking in Nigeria and globally.
Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, NAPTIP’s Director General, highlighted these issues during an anti-corruption radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by the Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development (PRIMORG) in Abuja.
Represented by Mrs. Kehinde Akomolafe, the agency’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Waziri-Azi also expressed concern over the rising number of Nigerians falling victim to trafficking.
NAPTIP’s concerns follow an investigative report by Human Angle Media, revealing the harsh treatment and exploitation of Nigerians trafficked to Egypt.
Waziri-Azi assured that NAPTIP is actively working to rescue these victims and cautioned the public to be wary of suspiciously attractive offers.
“Corruption among law enforcement officials is a significant problem.
“Some officials assist traffickers by accepting bribes or ignoring their activities. This corruption is not limited to Nigeria but is a global issue, which makes trafficking easier to perpetrate,” Waziri-Azi stated.
NAPTIP has achieved 672 convictions since its inception, with 67 in 2023 and 35 so far in 2024.
Despite these efforts, Waziri-Azi emphasised the need for stronger punishments for traffickers and faster judicial processes.
NAPTIP is advocating for legislative reforms to impose harsher penalties and enable the confiscation of traffickers’ assets.
The agency maintains a strict anti-corruption stance, taking serious action against any internal complicity in trafficking activities.
Kabir Adejumo, Editor of Southern Operations at Human Angle Media, reported that many Nigerians trafficked to Egypt are subjected to forced labor and fear deportation.
He noted that victims wish to return home but are held back by their sponsors, who refuse to release travel documents and threaten them.
Angela Umoro-David, Programme Manager of the Human Angle Foundation, praised NAPTIP’s efforts in addressing trafficking issues and urged the agency to continue its work.
She also encouraged Nigerians to use the Freedom of Information platform (foi.humananglemedia.com) for accessing public records and supporting transparency.
