Trafficking: NAPTIP, MeCAHT urge faith-based organisations to educate congregations

Trafficking: NAPTIP, MeCAHT urge faith-based organisations to educate congregations

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has urged faith-based organisations to educate their congregations on ways to eradicate human trafficking in the country.

The Director-General of NAPTIP, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, made the plea at the fourth annual Interfaith Conference organised by MeCAHT and EXIST, on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the conference was organised in partnership with Sure4U, International Human Rights Advocacy and Awareness Centre, Symbols of Hope and MUHASA TVR.

She said human trafficking was a significant human rights violation in the country, and Nigeria served as a source, transit and destination point for trafficked persons.

Adamu-Bello, represented by the Director of Intelligence and Special Duties, NAPTIP, Mr Effeh Ekrika, said governmental agencies and international organisations play significant roles in combating human trafficking with NAPTIP as a focal agency.

She said faith organisations also play critical roles in preventing human trafficking through advocacy, awareness campaigns and moral education.

Adamu-Bello called on religious institutions, particularly churches and mosques, to educate their congregations on the dangers of human trafficking, emphasising ethical values and the sanctity of human lives.

She said this could be done through their sermons, workshops and community discussions.

“Faith-based organisations in Nigeria serve as critical first responders against human trafficking by engaging in prevention, rescue, rehabilitation and advocacy efforts.

“Their deep-rooted presence in societies, moral authority, and commitment to social justice make them valuable partners in the fight against this crime.

“Faith-based organisations therefore need increased support from the government, private sector, and international agencies.

“Strengthening collaboration between all stakeholders will ensure a more effective response for human trafficking, ultimately protecting vulnerable populations and upholding human dignity,” the NAPTIP boss said.

In his remarks, Rev. Dogara Gwana, from the Baptist Church, urged stakeholders to engage with relevant authorities, sign petitions and support policies that are meant to combat human trafficking.

Gwana, while condemning human trafficking, added that it was against faith claims and values system.

“For an effective engagement on this matter, we must begin by accepting that human trafficking is a vice that we must all condemn. It is against our faith claims and against our value system.

“I have also come to see that this evil thrives, not due to lack of religious teaching or values, it is simply a product of human depravity.

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“The depravity of the soul will always blind the perpetrator from heeding what is right,” he said.

Meanwhile, Qousim Opakunle, who spoke on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, urged parents to always put an eye on their children, especially on the social media platforms.

Opakunle called on the Islamic community to rise up to their responsibility and synergise with relevant stakeholders to ensure that they protect people against human trafficking

“I call for collaboration between government and Islamic institutions like the mosques and Islamic groups to sensitise followers to wake up to their various responsibilities,” he said.

Earlier, Mr James Ikape, Executive Director, MeCAHT, urged stakeholders to help take the message to their congregations, saying that faith was a very powerful force that could stop issues of human trafficking in the society.

“As an organisation, we thought that it will be great to have people from different faith, Christians and Muslims, meet in Nigeria to discuss way out for human trafficking,” he said.

Karen Kjærgaard, a representative from Denmark, expressed delight as Christians and Islamic faithful came together to discuss human trafficking, a fast-growing crime in the world today.