‘It’s sad’ — NAPTIP says most trafficking crimes in Nigeria are committed by women

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says most of the human trafficking and adoption crimes in Nigeria are committed by women.

Fatima Waziri-Azi, director-general of NAPTIP, spoke on Thursday at a workshop organised for non-governmental organisations in Akwa Ibom, Anambra and Cross River states.

Waziri-Azi who was represented by Arinze Orakwue, director of training and manpower development of the agency, expressed sadness over the large number of women who have been involved in trafficking offences in the country.

She added that women are supposed to be caregivers in society.

“The agency has done well and is still doing well, striving to protect all persons against human trafficking and violence against persons through people-centred access to justice and the provision of safe spaces,” NAN quoted Waziri-Azi as saying.

“It is sad that most of the human trafficking and adoption crimes reported to the agency are committed by women.

“This workshop is aimed at equipping NGOs involved in the fight against human trafficking and teaching them the social dangers of child labour, battery and other domestic crimes.

“This will help address emerging issues in the trafficking of persons and illegal adoption procedures in the country.

“We are advocating increased enlightenment, especially at the grassroots, where many people ignorantly give out their children and also where these crimes are mostly committed.”

The director-general assured that NAPTIP would continue to partner with the Anambra government to address human trafficking challenges in the state.

Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra governor, said the government was taking critical measures to prevent prevailing cases of child trafficking and unlawful adoptions.

“Conscious and collective actions are needed to tackle the challenges in the fight against child trafficking,” Soludo said.

“The rising cases of violence against children in the hands of guardians are unacceptable. There is a need for stronger child protection legislation, increased education, awareness and community dialogues in the country.

“I really commend the efforts of the state ministry of women and social welfare in tackling human trafficking, domestic violence and illegal adoptions in Anambra.”