……………..AS IT CLOSES PROJECTS IN NIGERIA

BY

ADENIYI SUNDAY

ABUJA

Cross section Stakeholders, Development Partners, State, and Non – State Actors, have unanimously commended the Management of Expertise France for well-conceived projects, resourceful interaction with an array of Nigerians, and successful project delivery within the span of its operations in Nigeria, as demonstrated in the implementation of the project titled “Support the Fight Against Human Trafficking in the States of Gulf of Guinea”.

The project was funded by the European Union.

This was the highlight of the Country Project Closing Workshop of Expertise France, held at the auditorium of the Exclusive Serene Hotel and Suite, Wuye, Abuja. There was an outpouring of commendations for the Nigeria Team led by the Project Manager, Mr. Benjamin Eneanya.

Speaking at the event, the Protection Expert, Expertise France, Alessandra Bianco, stated that the Organization fulfilled its mission and lived up to the expectations of its partners and donors.

She stated that “ Expertise France is the French agency for International Technical Expertise whose mission is part of France's Policy of cooperation, development aid, influence and economic diplomacy.

“In 2019, Expertise France obtained funding from the European Union and France for the implementation of the Regional Project to Support the Fight against Trafficking in Persons in Six Gulf of Guinea Countries for a period of 4 years (2019-2023). project aims to support the six partner countries (Togo, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Ghana, and Nigeria) in strengthening their actions and capacities for a targeted and effective fight against human trafficking, according to the priorities set by the stakeholders and partners.

“The project focuses on four components, namely (i) institutional, operational, and preventive action consolidation, (ii) law enforcement, (iii) victim protection, and (iv) regional cooperation. Through these 4 components, the project aimed to strengthen the capacities of the institutional systems and mechanisms to combat trafficking in persons.

“The fourth component, on regional cooperation, aimed to boost cross-border cooperation and implement cooperation measures in accordance with existing bilateral and regional agreements, in partnership with ECOWAS.

“Our strategy of regional intervention fostered a unified approach, allowing us to tailor our responses to the unique needs of each country while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Together, we bolstered institutional systems, enhanced law enforcement capabilities, and provided vital protection services to victims of trafficking.

“In Nigeria, our efforts have yielded tangible results. We provided care and support to 660 VoTs and Potential victims of trafficking while sensitizing over 40,000 migrants or potential migrants on the risk of irregular migration (through NACTAL and NGOs).

“Furthermore, critical infrastructure, such as the reception center for victims of trafficking in Ondo state and the renovated NAPTIP office in Akure, has been revitalized to better serve our communities. In addition, a Data management system to store and analyze trafficking-related data was upgraded and a Digital travel declaration platform was set up”, the Protection Expert said.

In her remarks, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof Fatima Waziri–Azi, PhD, expressed appreciation to Expertise France for engaging with stakeholders in collaborative efforts to address the root causes of trafficking and enhance a victim protection.

The NAPTIP DG who was represented by the Director, Research and Programme Development, Mr. Josiah Emerole, said, “ I congratulate the Expertise France team in Nigeria for the great work they have done within these 4 years. The project helped strengthen the overall response to human trafficking and contributed to the protection of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators.

“Over the course of this project, we have witnessed firsthand, the transformative impact of collaboration, dedication, and perseverance. Through targeted interventions, capacity building, and advocacy, we have made significant strides in enhancing awareness, strengthening institutions, and providing direct support to victims of human trafficking.


“Our achievements today are a testament to the power of partnership and the unwavering commitment of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). We have not only raised awareness about the complexities of human trafficking but also implemented concrete solutions that contribute to a safer and more resilient region. The partnership between NAPTIP and Expertise France has been nothing short of extraordinary, yielding impactful initiatives in terms of valuable expertise and technical assistance that will resonate for years to come.

“The establishment of our 24-hour Call Center, toll-free line, and short code, supported by this project, has significantly enhanced our responsiveness to reports of trafficking incidents. In 2023 alone, our Call Center received over 7,000 calls, a testament to its vital role in combating human trafficking.

 

“The development and deployment of the Trafficking in Persons Clearance Application Portal (TIPCAP) in January 2022, the training of members of the technical working group and Immigration officers at the 4 international airports has significantly contributed to the effective implementation and compliance to the Trafficking in Persons (Control of Activities of Organizations and Centres) Regulations 2019 and the interception of potential victims of human trafficking.

 

“What this means is that the agency is digitally equipped to issue clearance certificates to all travel agents or tour operators and intending travelers for the purpose of educational excursion, recruitment of labour, sporting activities, cultural and music excursions or competitions, and organizations, shelters, and homes offering services for the purpose of rehabilitation of trafficked persons.

“In 2023 with the support of the Government of Nigeria, the Trafficking in Persons Clearance Application Portal was upgraded to version 2.0. The project also supported the renovation of the NAPTIP Ondo State Command and Shelter which became fully operational this year; the training of NAPTIP counselors and direct support to victims at our Abuja, Lagos and Benin Shelters; and support towards the strengthening of state task forces across the country.

“In 2023, Expertise France assisted our TV docu-series program “NAPTIP on the Move” to stay on the air for one quarter at the time we were struggling.

“While we celebrate our accomplishments today, let us also recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight against human trafficking. Our work is far from being over, and it is only through sustained collaboration and collective actions that we can create a world where exploitation and trafficking become relics of the past.

“Even as this project comes to an end, it is important to note that a lot still needs to be done, as such, we must continue to unite in seeking ways and means of strengthening our anti-human trafficking strategies and support for the survivors of the crime”, Prof. Waziri – Azi stated.

The workshop also witnessed goodwill messages from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), NACTAL, EU, ICMPD, and the Ministry of Budget Planning.

Highpoint of the programme was the presentation by the Project Manager, Mr. Benjamin Eneanya who reeled out detailed achievements of the Organization in Nigeria.