ICMPD POWERS AN INTENSIVE WORKSHOP ON HR TRAINING POLICY REFORMS FOR NAPTIP TO STREAMLINE DEPARTMENTAL RESTRUCTURING AND PROMOTE SAFE AND ORDERLY MIGRATION IN NIGERIA.

 By

Rukayatu Yakub

Senior Reporter, Abuja

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening its institutional systems in pursuit of its mandate to prevent human trafficking, protect victims, and promote safe and orderly migration in Nigeria, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) with the support of Partners, have commenced an intensive workshop on human resources and training policy Reforms to streamline documents, departmental restructuring, scheme of service and conditional of service.

 This workshop is organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in partnership with NAPTIP, with support from the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

It would be recalled that, as NAPTIP continues to expand in scope, complexity, and geographical coverage, there is a pressing need to modernize its human resource (HR) framework to align with evolving operational realities and national public service standards. 

Over the years, NAPTIP’s transformation from a specialized institution into a multi-sectoral organization with diverse technical and administrative functions has exposed gaps and overlaps within its HR management systems. In particular, its Scheme of Service, Conditions of Service, and organizational structure require comprehensive review and harmonization to reflect the agency’s current needs, promote accountability, and enhance staff motivation and productivity. 

Speaking while declaring open the workshop held at the Al Vari Hotel, Keffi, Nasarawa State, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, pointed out that the workshop is one of the well-planned steps to enhance the operations of the Agency.

The Director General said, “ This workshop marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the institutional framework of NAPTIP to better deliver on our mandate of combating human trafficking, protecting victims, and promoting safe and orderly migration. Over the years, the Agency has expanded in scope and operations, requiring a more robust and coherent structure that aligns with evolving national and international realities”.

“The decision to undertake this comprehensive review of our HR documents is not only timely but strategic. As we grow, so must our internal systems, processes, and governance frameworks. A well-defined Scheme and Conditions of Service remain the bedrock of an efficient and motivated workforce. It ensures fairness, transparency, accountability, and above all, clarity in roles, responsibilities, and career progression.

This workshop, therefore, presents us with an opportunity to collectively assess, refine, and validate the consultant’s draft reports, ensuring that every recommendation reflects the operational realities of NAPTIP while aligning with the Public Service Rules and directives of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

Let me at this point appreciate the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) with the support from the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their continued partnership and support to NAPTIP’s institutional strengthening initiatives. Your collaboration has been instrumental in advancing our capacity development agenda and enhancing governance structures within the Agency.

“The quality of outcomes from this workshop will shape the future of our human resource management and, by extension, our ability to deliver effectively on our core mandate.

“Distinguished colleagues, the task before us is a crucial one; it is about building a more responsive, efficient, and forward-looking Agency. I am confident that with your expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit, we will achieve remarkable results”, the Director General of NAPTIP stated.

Speaking earlier at the commencement of the workshop,  the Head of Mission of ICMPD in Nigeria, Ms. Isabelle Wolfsgruber, said the Centre shall continue to partner with relevant organs of Government to scale up the fight against trafficking in Persons and Violence against persons in Nigeria. She thanks the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for supporting the project.

She tasked the participants with the need to come out with a robust document that will boost the operation of the Agency and strengthen the fight against human trafficking in the Country.

Cross-section of the participants, in an interview, lauded the effort of ICMPD with the support from the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for the workshop, which they said will boost their morale and increase their productivity to deliver on the mandates of the Agency.