By Nura Bello Suleiman Sokoto.
The National President of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Comrade Abdulganiyu Abubakar, has called on the Sokoto State Government to establish a Task Force on Human Trafficking.
Abubakar made the call in Sokoto during the inauguration and swearing-in of the newly elected executives of the Sokoto State chapter of the network.
He said the call became imperative due to Sokoto’s nature as a border state where various forms of human trafficking are being committed. He noted that if established, the task force will address trafficking-related problems as relevant actors and stakeholders would be involved in managing the menace.
The National President said human trafficking remains a major concern not only in Nigeria but across sub-Saharan Africa, stressing that it requires collective responsibility from all stakeholders to tackle.
He said NACTAL Nigeria has over the years collaborated with government agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police, NAPTIP, development partners and civil society organizations in the fight against human trafficking and child labour in Nigeria and beyond.
He charged the new executive to come up with new strategies to confront the situation and congratulated them on their election.
Also speaking, the Director of Child Development in the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Malam Yusuf Ibrahim, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to child protection, welfare and women empowerment.
Malam Ibrahim, who represented the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Ahmed Shagari, said the ministry has for years worked with NACTAL in tackling human trafficking in the state.
In his remarks, the Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Abubakar Abdullahi Tabra, said NACTAL has remained one of the agency’s major partners in the fight against human trafficking.
Tabra said the agency and the network have jointly carried out several activities at all levels, describing Sokoto as one of the regions affected by the menace. He assured of NAPTIP’s continued support for any effort aimed at tackling human trafficking in the country.
In their separate remarks, the Sarkin Yakin Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, and the Chief of Igala in Sokoto State, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, who represented traditional rulers, said traditional institutions always collaborate with organizations like NACTAL to prevent human trafficking in their domains and act promptly whenever such cases are reported.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event included representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Human Rights Commission and civil society organizations.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected State Coordinator, Mr. Jerry Ameh, thanked members of the network for giving them the opportunity to serve humanity. He also appreciated the National President, Comrade Abdulganiyu Abubakar, the North-West Zonal Coordinator, Kabiru Musa, and the outgoing State Coordinator, Mr. Rufus Yagkong.
Those inaugurated include Mr. Jerry Ameh as State Coordinator, Nasir Lawal Mai-Magani as Deputy Coordinator, Hauwau Yerima as Secretary, Mrs. Adenike Oko as Treasurer, Comrade Bello Sambo as Public Relations Officer, and three ex-officio members.
Later, certificates and letters of recognition were presented to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated commitment in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
