The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has commenced training of its officers and other stakeholders on reviewed data collection instruments for the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria.
The training was organised by NAPTIP in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), supported by the Swiss Government.
It is a five-day capacity building for NAPTIP Officers, State Task Forces and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across Northwest Zone.
NAPTIP Director-General, Hajiya Binta Adamu-Bello, said the training was a component of a broader project titled: “From Policy to Action: Implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria (2022-2026)”.
Represented by the Kano Zonal Commander of the agency, Mr Abdullahi Babale, the D-G observed that reliable data collection was the bedrock of effective counter-trafficking programming.
“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”
According to her, data is indeed the life-blood of policy interventions and operations across many fields, particularly in counter-trafficking.
Adamu-Bello commended the Swiss Government and UNODC for their support and commitment to Nigeria’s fight against human Trafficking and for their enduring partnership with NAPTIP.
The Director, Research and Programme, NAPTIP, Mr Josiah Emerole, described the training as apt, especially as the agency was focusing more on evidence-based programming, “which only proper data collection, analysis and dissemination can provide.”
Represented by the NAPTIP Assistant Director Research and Programme, Mr Oluwabori Ogunkanmi, hinted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was focusing on evidence-based performance from all MDAs in line with the performance bonds signed with Ministers.
Emerole pointed out that, at the end of the workshop, reporting tools would be used as an accepted template for reporting counter-trafficking activities to the agency.
The UNODC representative, Ms Ifeoma Kanebi, encouraged participants to cascade the knowledge acquired to others.
While commending NAPTIP for their relentless effort in combating human trafficking in Nigeria, Kanebi also lauded the Swiss Government for their support.