• Donates buses to Lagos, Edo NAPTIP zonal commands

Bianca Iboma

Britain has reiterated its commitment to assist Nigeria to end human trafficking and modern slavery. 
British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Laure Beaufils stated the position of her government when she hosted Dr Godwin Obaseki, the Director General of The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Oba of Benin and Dr May Ikeora, and other stakeholders to a reception on cooperation against ‘Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery.’

She said London was “exploring ways to increase our support to Nigeria.” She expressed satisfaction with the existing relationship between UK and Nigeria in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery.

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“Our law enforcement agencies have a longstanding and very fruitful relationship with their Nigerian partners; the National Crime Agency and Immigration Enforcement International (NCAIEI) have been working with NAPTIP over a number of years to prosecute those that perpetuate trafficking of humans,’ She said.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of two buses to Lagos and Edo State zonal commander of NAPTIP by the UK’s Joint Border Task Force. According to the envoy, the vehicles would be used in the transportation of returnees to Lagos and Edo state.

The Director General of NAPTIP Dame Julie Okah-Donli lauded the UK government for its dodged efforts towards combating human trafficking.   “My heart was particularly gladdened when the UK Secretary of State for International Development, Priti Patel in the course of her visit to Nigeria in 2017, stated that the UK planned to increase its financial support that would provide alternative livelihood for potential victims, including support for reintegration of survivors,” she said.

Representative of the Oba of Benin, Ms Ifueko Aideyan said since the royal father placed a curse on all traditional priests who performed rituals to psychologically imprison victims, there has been “an appreciable increase in the number of girls who are now willing to return and work with the authorities, to prevent the same fate falling to other girls.”