The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured renewed cooperation from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in efforts to address human trafficking through the nation’s waterways and coastal areas.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, said the commitment followed a courtesy visit by the agency’s Director-General, Binta Bello, to the NSC’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Pius Akutah, at the council’s office in Abuja.
The visit formed part of NAPTIP’s ongoing engagements with partners aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration in tackling human trafficking in Nigeria.
Bello noted that as a maritime regulatory body, the NSC managed critical entry points for trade and transportation, which were also exploited by traffickers to transport victims covertly via vessels and other maritime routes.
She emphasised that the shipping, ports, and logistics sectors could play a significant role in early detection, prevention, and reporting of trafficking incidents, and proposed closer cooperation with the maritime sector. This would include sensitisation programmes to help identify potential trafficking cases along waterways and prompt reporting to the relevant authorities.
Bello also suggested targeted engagement with port workers, shipping agents, freight forwarders, crew members, and other stakeholders through NSC outreach structures, the Nigerian Port Process Manual platforms, and the Port Standing Task Team channels to incorporate anti-trafficking awareness.
Akutah described human trafficking as a serious transnational organised crime that required coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
He highlighted its evolving nature and wide scope, warning of the dangers and impact on victims, as well as the reputational damage to the country.
He noted that trafficking could occur through methods such as stowaways, making the maritime sector’s role in prevention essential.
Also present, Board Member of MMS Women of Fortune Hall of Fame Initiative, Lami Tumaka, expressed the organisation’s readiness to support NAPTIP in combating human trafficking nationwide.
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