The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking following the launch of the National Counter-Trafficking Dashboard, an initiative of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Gatekeepers News reports that Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja during the Second Policy Level Meeting on Human Trafficking 2025, organised by NAPTIP.
Fagbemi described the dashboard as a transformative tool for Nigeria’s anti-trafficking response.
“A remarkable milestone recorded this year is the landmark launch of the NAPTIP Dashboard, the first of its kind in Africa,” he said. “This digital platform provides real-time data on anti-trafficking activities across Nigeria, enhancing coordination, transparency, and accountability.”
However, he expressed concern that Nigeria remains in Tier 2 of the 2025 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report—an indication that while the country is making significant efforts, it still falls short of minimum global standards.
“Despite our notable progress, it is deeply regrettable that Nigeria continues to be ranked among Tier 2 countries,” he said. He identified key weaknesses highlighted in the TIP Report, including insufficient victim identification and protection efforts, inadequate screening mechanisms, and persistent corruption among law enforcement and judicial officers.
Fagbemi called for renewed urgency and measurable improvements:
“We must work assiduously to change this narrative in the next reporting cycle. Our collective actions must demonstrate measurable progress and tangible impact.”
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing human trafficking as a violation that “strikes at the very fabric of humanity.”
“The Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to the protection of human dignity and the total eradication of human trafficking in all its forms,” he stated.
Represented by Victoria Ojogbane, Director of Research and Statistics in the ministry, Fagbemi noted that the meeting serves as the “highest policy forum for assessing the progress of our collective counter-trafficking efforts and defining strategic directions for the next year.”
Citing available statistics, he warned that countless men, women, and children remain trapped in modern-day slavery.
“Millions of victims of this crime remind us that the fight is far from over and underscore the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response,” he said.
He also highlighted the enormous profits driving the illicit industry, noting that human trafficking and related crimes generate over $245 billion annually, a significant portion from sexual exploitation.
Earlier, NAPTIP Director General, Hajiya Binta Bello, presented the agency’s 2025 progress report.
“From January to early November 2025, the Agency received 802 cases, rescued and rehabilitated 1,839 victims of trafficking, arrested 872 suspected traffickers, and secured 67 convictions involving 85 convicted persons,” she said.
She noted that the 2025 convictions have already surpassed the previous record of 82 in 2022.
Bello said the agency is preparing for the next National Action Plan on Human Trafficking (2027–2031), building on lessons from the current 2022–2026 plan. Key strategies include prosecuting all credible cases of official complicity, scaling up investigations—particularly for labour trafficking—and strengthening training for frontline officers on victim identification and referral mechanisms.
She added that NAPTIP plans to activate the Victims’ Trust Fund to support survivors’ financial, rehabilitation, and reintegration needs.
