The Abuja shelter of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other related Matters (NAPTIP) was commissioned today by Michel Arion, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, represented by Alan Munday, First Secretary.
The commissioning of the facility followed several weeks of refurbishment work undertaken with funding support from the European Union (EU). The repair works were undertaken within the framework of the EU funded project 'Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria by Combating and Reducing Irregular Migration that occurs, inter alia, through Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM)' project. This project is being implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Speaking during the handover of a wide range of IT equipment comprising internet servers, 50 desktop computers and network printers, among others at the headquarters of NAPTIP in Abuja, Alan Munday said that "NAPTIP is the European Union's key Nigerian Agency partner when it comes to turn words into action to fight trafficking of Human beings and smuggling of migrants as well as to protect the victims". Munday said he was proud "to see the work that has been done in this shelter by NAPTIP and UNODC, with the support of the European Union, to make life more comfortable for the youngest victims of the traffickers in human beings". He noted that he had "no doubt, knowing the dedication of all NAPTIP staff, that this IT equipment will help NAPTIP, to raise even more its level of performance."
In her welcome remark, the Executive Secretary of NAPTIP, Ms Beatrice Jedy-Agba who was represented by the Director, Legal and Prosecution Department, Abdulrahim Shaibu, said the EU's support in refurbishing the shelter is in tandem with the Agency's strategic plans to ensure that all its shelters are adequately equipped and child-friendly to enhance the total recovery of the traumatized victims of human trafficking. While commending the EU for "all the assistance and support the agency has received over the years", she requested additional support for the upcoming 11th European Development Fund (EDF) by enhancing data connectivity, among others.
The Country Representative of UNODC in Nigeria, Ms Mariam Sissoko, said she was convinced that the new environment at the Shelter would help to motivate the physical, psychological and mental development of victims who come to the shelter and help them recover from the terrible trauma they had gone through. She noted that the handing over of the IT equipment "marks a major milestone under the project and serves as evidence of NAPTIP's willingness to fully assume responsibility in using, maintaining and managing the various IT services and equipment provided."
The Abuja shelter, which has a capacity to accommodate 38 victims of trafficking, provides direct assistance in the area of counseling and rehabilitation services. Vocational services are also offered at the shelter in support of the victims. The support provided towards rehabilitation of the shelter involved the painting of the shelter, provision of educational and welfare materials, stationery, furniture and indoor and outdoor games.
The IT equipment are to provide staff with access to shared network resources (printers, folders, communication systems etc.) as well as provide channels to input data, process information and create files at NAPTIP headquarters and its five zonal offices in Lagos, Enugu, Benin, Sokoto and Uyo.
