The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on state governments to collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to address human trafficking and violence against persons.
Governor Bago made this call during a meeting with NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, at the Niger State Liaison Office in Abuja. The visit was part of the agency’s engagement with critical stakeholders to strengthen its operations.
The Governor stressed the urgency of addressing these issues, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where cases of out-of-school children, domestic violence, and gender-based violence are prevalent.
“The focus on violence and trafficking in persons is crucial, especially in Northern Nigeria. We must work together to combat these challenges effectively,” he said.
Governor Bago announced immediate allocation of land with a Certificate of Occupancy for the establishment of NAPTIP’s Niger State Command. He also offered temporary accommodation to enable the Command’s opening by February and expressed readiness to host a Northern Regional Command for NAPTIP.
In her remarks, NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, outlined the agency’s mandate and the importance of having a presence in Niger State to combat trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute offenders. She highlighted the significant number of trafficking and domestic servitude cases reported from the state.
“We are grateful for your support and commitment to establishing our Command in Niger State. This partnership will strengthen our efforts in addressing human trafficking and violence,” she said.
The Governor’s gesture was praised as a model for other states to emulate in supporting NAPTIP’s mandate.
The meeting was attended by members of the Niger State Executive Council and senior officials of NAPTIP.
