January 31, (THEWILL) – The state Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs Abieyuwa Ikhidero, has declared zero tolerance to human trafficking and any form of sexual and gender-based violence, SGBV, in Bayelsa.
During a courtesy visit by Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation, ENWAF, Mrs Ikhidero commended the organisation for advocating for women and girls and emphasised NAPTIP’s mandate of protection, prevention, prosecution and policy.
She also mentioned that NAPTIP has carried out over 50 sensitisation programmes in the state and is committed to waging war against traffickers.
“The agency’s efforts align with its mission to prevent and prosecute human trafficking, while protecting the rights of women and girls.
“NAPTIP has convened meetings to tackle emerging issues and secure convictions related to human trafficking and the agency has pledged to end human trafficking in Bayelsa”, she said.
THEWILL recalls that the Reforms/Servicom Unit of NAPTIP was established to serve as an internal control mechanism that expresses the agency’s zero tolerance for corruption and to enhance improved staff service delivery in advancing the agency’s mission in relation to victims, the general public, and relevant stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking.
Earlier, the CEO of ENWAF, Lady Eunice Nnachi, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to combatting human trafficking and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) through a strengthened partnership with NAPTIP.
Nnachi, who emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to reduce human trafficking and SGBV in Nigeria, particularly in Bayelsa State, expressed optimism that the partnership would help in addressing these issues.
In her words, “ENWAF would provide continuous support in furtherance to the mandate of both organisations to end human trafficking and other related offences.
“I know that collaborative efforts involving key players is one way to stem the tide of human trafficking in the country.”
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of a pamphlet, detailing the mission statement and mandate of the organisation, as well as the offences and punishment created under the TIPPEA ACT, 2015.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
