Germany has expressed its determination towards collaborating with Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to end the scourge of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Annett Gunther gave the promise on Wednesday in Abuja while inaugurating the refurbished training office of NAPTIP and presenting ICT equipment to assist the agency in its fight against human trafficking.
She said: “As we gather here, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the vital work that NAPTIP undertakes every day. Your dedication to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and your relentless efforts to dismantle trafficking networks are commendable.
“The fight against human trafficking requires unwavering commitment, and I commend each of you for your courage and resilience.”
She added that: “As we all know, the government of Germany through the German Mission in Nigeria and the German Federal Criminal Police; Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) has remained committed in its support to NAPTIP since inception of the agency in various ways.”
She said: “Today marks a pivotal moment in our joint effort. It is with great pride that I officially launch the newly renovated Resource Centre, a project made possible through the generous support of the Federal Criminal Police Office, Bundeskriminalamt (BKA).”
She noted that: “This Centre will serve as a hub of knowledge, information, and training, equipping NAPTIP with resources needed to tackle the complexities of human trafficking. It is our hope that this Centre will not only enhance your operational effectiveness but also foster collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to eradicating this crime.”
The envoy, who also said Germany was involved in the ongoing training of 25 officers of the agency, noted that the equipment donated include 15 HP all in one Desktops with 15 Bluegate UPSs, 4 ACER Projectors, 15 APC Surge protector 5 outlets, 8 Samsung tablets.
She said that the equipment will be sent to the NAPTIP Zonal Commands in Enugu, Kano and Osogbo to improve their office infrastructure.
The Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello on her part, said: “The Centre is indeed, equipped to meet the diverse needs of all those who will benefit from it and for this, we remain grateful to the Government and people of Germany for this excellent show of support, partnership and collaboration in the fight against Trafficking in persons, a deadly transnational organised criminal enterprise that affect both countries negatively.”
She added that: “This is a specifically prime example of how international collaboration can lead to tangible, positive results and NAPTIP on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria express the willingness of the two Nations to continue to work together in addressing the negative impact of trafficking in persons.”
Michael Olugbode
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