The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) began a training session on Monday for its officers and other stakeholders, focusing on revised data collection tools under the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria.
Organized in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and supported by the Swiss Government, this five-day capacity-building program targets NAPTIP officers, State Task Forces, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the Northwest Zone.
Hajiya Binta Adamu-Bello, NAPTIP’s Director-General, highlighted that this training is part of a broader project titled, “From Policy to Action: Implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria (2022-2026).” Represented by Kano Zonal Commander Mr. Abdullahi Babale, she emphasized that robust data collection is essential for effective counter-trafficking efforts.
“NAPTIP recently undertook an internal review of the agency’s data collection tools, as well as the national template for human trafficking data collection and analysis to ensure they are comprehensive and responsive to current needs in counter-trafficking,” Adamu-Bello stated.
She added that the updated tools now include disability indicators to support inclusive data reporting and broaden the reach of anti-trafficking initiatives.
“This alignment standardised the instruments, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness across various platforms for multiple agencies responsible for reporting under the National Action Plan. We are now in the process of cascading this training to all national and subnational actors, who have roles in implementing the National Action Plan on human trafficking,” she said.
Adamu-Bello pointed out that data is essential for crafting effective policies and operations, especially in counter-trafficking. “With reliable data, we can track trends, allocate resources effectively, and develop evidence-based strategies to detect and eliminate human trafficking,” she noted.
She expressed gratitude to the Swiss Government and UNODC for their sustained support in Nigeria’s anti-trafficking initiatives and partnership with NAPTIP.
“The training will significantly contribute to the success of our national anti-trafficking initiatives, enhancing Nigeria’s standing among nations in combating this transnational crime,” she added.
Mr. Josiah Emerole, NAPTIP’s Director of Research and Programme, remarked on the timeliness of the training, given the agency’s increased emphasis on evidence-based programming, which relies on accurate data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
Emerole, represented by Assistant Director Research and Programme Mr. Oluwabori Ogunkanmi, noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is focusing on evidence-based performance across ministries and agencies in line with performance agreements signed with ministers.
“The agency aims at training participants on the developed and reviewed National Action Plan (NAP) reporting framework and harmonised tools at both national and sub-national levels. The training will enhance uniform reporting across states in line with the various pillars of NAP. It will enhance the use of reporting tools for programming and development of work plans in alignment with NAP,” Emerole said.
He added that by the end of the workshop, participants would adopt these tools as the standard for reporting anti-trafficking activities to NAPTIP.
Ms. Ifeoma Kanebi, a UNODC representative, urged participants to share the knowledge they gain, emphasizing, “Let us join hands together towards eradicating human trafficking in Nigeria and safeguarding the rights and dignity of every individual.” She commended NAPTIP’s ongoing efforts and acknowledged the support from the Swiss Government.
Mr. Muhamad Mashi, Kano State Coordinator of the National Association of CSOs Working Against Human Trafficking, Child Abuse, and Labour, noted that the training would empower participants with valuable skills and reduce human trafficking in Nigeria.
NAN