Reps Urge Stronger Action on Trafficked Nigerians' Repatriation

On Thursday, the House of Representatives urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Nigerian National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to develop a comprehensive framework for the repatriation and reintegration of Nigerian victims of human trafficking. This call was made following a motion by Hon. Tolulop Akand-Sadipe, who highlighted the alarming increase in the trafficking of Nigerian girls and young women to Mali and other West African countries, particularly for sexual exploitation and forced labor.

The House emphasized the need for a multi-agency approach to effectively address the repatriation and reintegration process, which should include medical, psychosocial support, and vocational empowerment programs. Furthermore, they urged the allocation of a special intervention fund in the 2027 budget to support the rehabilitation and empowerment of trafficked Nigerian girls.

The House also mandated its Committee on Humanitarian Services to collaborate with relevant committees to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the current status of Nigerian girls trafficked to Mali.