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Titi Atiku, renowned for her advocacy against human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, delivered a compelling call to action in Abuja. Speaking at the culmination of a three-day retreat hosted by the West Africa Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (WACTIPSOM), she impassioned stakeholders to confront the daunting challenges ahead.

The retreat, supported by the International Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP), under the Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (A-TIPSOM) project, funded by the European Union, aimed to galvanize regional efforts to combat these grave issues.

As the founder of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF), Mrs. Atiku emphasized the necessity for concerted and resolute action. She urged stakeholders to prioritize the commitments outlined in the documents signed by representatives from various West African countries to combat human trafficking and smuggling of migrants comprehensively.

Mrs. Atiku’s fervent plea underscored the severity of the situation, reminding participants of the tragic fate of countless migrants, especially children, who perish in the perilous journey across the Mediterranean. Her impassioned address resonated with the harrowing reality of lives lost and the urgency of the ongoing battle against these egregious crimes.

Reflecting on the pivotal role of WOTCLEF, she highlighted its instrumental contribution to the establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Network of Civil Society Organisations Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) over the past 25 years.

Federico Millan, A-TIPSOM Team Leader, expressed elation at the successful convening of the retreat, overcoming initial challenges. He extended gratitude to the European Union for their indispensable support and underscored the imperative of continued collaboration in this critical endeavor.

Ron Hendrix, Programme Officer for Migration, Organised Crime and Drug at the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, stressed the collective responsibility of stakeholders in combating trafficking and smuggling. He reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to partner with regional organizations such as NACTAL and FIIAPP, acknowledging the indispensable role of stakeholders and organizations in this shared mission.

Furthermore, NACTAL’s President, Abdulganiyu Abubakar, highlighted the renewed pledge of all stakeholders to intensify efforts against human trafficking. He cited tangible progress, including enhanced identification, protection, and reintegration of trafficking victims, as well as increased prosecutions of traffickers.

The collaborative approach, exemplified by the launch of WACTIPSOM, has yielded impactful partnerships with the media and local and international allies. This unified front offers hope for substantial advancements in the fight against human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, indicating a promising trajectory in this critical battle.

The resounding message from the convening emphasized the need for unwavering commitment and cohesive action to address the complex and pervasive challenges posed by human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.