Sidebar

Exclusive Reports

29
Fri, Mar

Human Trafficking Reaching A Crisis Level – Saraki

Uncategorisedx
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

In the wake of the death of the death of 26 Nigerians women aboard a Spanish warship on the Mediterranean in a fatal attempt to get into Europe by sea, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki has said that the challenge of trafficking is now nearing a crisis level.

Saraki expressed his concerns at a meeting on Thursday, between the leadership of the Senate and that of the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) led by its Director-General, Dame Julie Okah-Donli.

In a statement he released after the meeting, the President of the Senate said it was important to reassess Nigeria’s preparedness to address illegal migration and human trafficking, which he added has become a “national priority.”

He said the reassessment was important against the backdrop of recent developments, including the deaths of the young women, the number of Nigerians who have tried crossing over into Europe through Libya and are now begging to come back home, and the other cases of domestic and international human trafficking and illegal migration dominant in the news.

“As a nation, we have a responsibility to do the right thing. Trafficking is something that we must face head-on now, as it is escalating to a crisis level,” Saraki said.

During the meeting, the Senate assured of adequate funding for NAPTIP which has largely not been the case over the years.

Saraki, who had earlier in the week met with a European Union delegation, also urged NAPTIP to explore a partnership with agency given what he said was its willingness to provide support in combating human trafficking issue on the international front.