Succeeding In The Fight Against Human Trafficking Symposium.

Human trafficking also known as modern day slavery is a global phenomenon which must be tackled with vigor. Nigeria is a well-known source country for international human traffickers. Hundreds of young Nigerian girls are trafficked to Europe and Asia every year. Local trafficking also occurs within Nigeria’s border. Young boys and girls from disadvantaged families in rural areas are lured with promises of work or education, and are then sold into forced labour. The anti-human trafficking symposium is another step in Nigeria’s war against human trafficking.

CWAG AAP collaborated with the Ogun State Judiciary to spearhead a one day symposium under the theme; Succeeding In The Fight Against Human Trafficking in Abeokuta, Nigeria on the 25th June 2018. The forum brought together Honorable judges, magistrates, attorneys generals, prosecutors, seasoned litigators, immigration officers, prison officers, civil defense students and members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.

Hon. Justice O. O. Olopade CON, KJW, FICMC, the Honorable Chief Judge of Ogun State made the opening remarks where she commended the steps adopted so far to combat human trafficking. She urged the participants to renew their zeal and commitment to fight trafficking in persons (TIP).  Mr. Markus Green ESQ. -CWAG AAP welcomed the participants to the symposium.

Mrs. Kehinde Akomolafe – Acting General Commander, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Lagos Zone Office spoke on the Nigerian experience in the fight against human trafficking and barriers to effective investigation and prosecution of transnational crimes. She stated that Nigeria is a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking. She shared steps that NAPTIP are implementing the fight against TIP such as grassroots sensitization campaigns and cross agency collaborations.

Mr. Luke Fadem representing CWAG presented on what works in combating human trafficking. He shared the state of TIP in the US, specifically sex trafficking which is widespread in the US. He shared on policies and preventive measures that can be customized and implemented in Africa. He highlighted the importance of training seminars and inter agency collaboration as a key tool to fight human trafficking.

The presentations culminated in an interactive Case Study Discussion led by Mrs. Kehinde Akomolafe & moderated by Mrs. Ebelechukwu Enedah – Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors