… Advises donors, development partners against dealing with non-compliant groups
By Hassan Zaggi
The Director-General, of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP),Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, has disclosed that her agency has concluded plans to clampdown on organization operating homes and shelters for the purpose of rehabilitation of trafficked victims who have failed to comply with Regulations 2019.
She disclosed this at the end of a strategic meeting with officials of relevant departments and units of the Agency in Abuja, Friday.
She, however, advised donor agencies, development partners and the public to note the organizations that have complied either fully or partially with the Regulations and be careful whom to deal with going forward.
The NAPTIP Director-General noted that her agency will periodically update and publish the list of organizations that have complied with the Regulation 2019.
She, therefore, called on interested parties to contact the agency to verify the compliance status of any organization that operates shelters and homes offering services for the rehabilitation of trafficked persons.
Prof Fatima expressed concern that her agency has given several advisories and warnings toorganizations operating shelters and homes offering services for the purpose of the rehabilitation of trafficked victims in Nigeria to comply with the regulations but they failed to do so.
The Director-General lamented that despite the extension of the grace period given to organizations to comply with the regulations, only two organizations including Pathfinder Justice Initiative and the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) have fully complied.
Six other organisations, according to her, were in partial compliance to the regulagions. They include The Second Voice Foundation; Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria; Patriotic Citizens Initiatives; Rays of Hope Community Foundation; Kids with a Vision Foundation; and Emmanuel World Children Foundation. These 6 organisations, the NAPTIP Director General explained, have registered on the online clearance portal but were yet to schedule an inspection to their facilities by the team responsible.
“Following the expiration of the ultimatum issued to organizations that operate Shelters and Homes offering services for the purpose of the rehabilitation of trafficked persons in Nigeria to obtain a license in accordance with the Trafficking in Persons (Control of Activities of Organizations and Centres) Regulations 2019, which has since expired, the Management of NAPTIP, wishes to inform the public, members of the Civil Society Organization (CSOs), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Development Partners, Donor Agencies State, and other stakeholders on the compliance of this Regulation by the affected organizations.
‘’The Agency had on two occasions extended the ultimatum issued to organizations. The extension was because of the intervention of the Network of Civil Society Organizations Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), to give organizations time to meet up with the deadline,” the DG said.
She recalled that: ‘’Regulation 2019 was issued by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN on October 9, 2019.
“The Regulation gives NAPTIP the powers to control and issue clearance certificate to travel agents or tour operators and intending travelers for the purpose of educational excursions; recruitment for labor; sporting activities; cultural, music excursions or competitions; and licenses to all organizations, shelters and homes offering services for the purpose of rehabilitation of trafficked persons.
‘’The Regulation was necessitated by the disturbing cases of the recruitment and exploitation of Nigerians under the guise of labour migration, educational, cultural, and musical excursions; and sporting-related travels in some destination countries, including ensuring that operators of shelters and homes offering services for the rehabilitation of trafficked persons humanely conduct their businesses within the ambit of the law.
‘’However, despite the extended ultimatums, consultations and sensitizations, many organizations have failed to comply. As a result, erring organizations risk immediate shutdown,” a statement signed by the Press Officer of NAPTIP, Adekoye Vincent, quoted the Director General.
