Abuja, Nigeria – 11 December 2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) have reinforced their long-standing collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) during a high-level diplomatic visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The engagement marks a renewed phase of operational synergy in Nigeria’s national anti-trafficking efforts.
The IHRC delegation was led by H.E. Ambassador (Dr.) Hezekiah Duru, Ambassador-at-Large and Head of the Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria. The visit aligned with IHRC Corporation’s ongoing reforms and restructuring, following the relocation of its global headquarters from Switzerland to the United States — a strategic shift aimed at expanding the Commission’s humanitarian reach and strengthening global coordination mechanisms.
During the meeting, IHRC reaffirmed the validity of the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Commission and NAPTIP. Ambassador Duru noted that the renewed engagement reflects both institutions’ commitment to enhancing technical cooperation, strengthening rescue capabilities, and accelerating the response against trafficking and exploitation.
A key highlight of the discussion was IHRC’s recent joint rescue operation in Taraba State, conducted in collaboration with NAPTIP operatives, which resulted in the recovery of 17 victims of human trafficking. Ambassador Duru emphasized that such interventions demonstrate the practical value of inter-agency collaboration and the need to reinvigorate long-standing partnerships across Nigeria’s anti-trafficking landscape.
The delegation also raised concerns regarding groups falsely claiming affiliation with IHRC. Ambassador Duru outlined the Commission’s operational structure in Nigeria, comprising over 1,500 volunteers, coordinated through State and Regional Coordinators, a National Volunteers Coordinator, and the Head of Mission. This structure, he noted, ensures accountability, rapid response and nationwide operational capacity.
In response, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta L. Adamu Bello, commended IHRC’s continued support to national anti-trafficking efforts. She acknowledged the operational relevance of the existing MoU and confirmed that the agency’s technical department would conduct a full review to update and strengthen the document accordingly.
NAPTIP officials further requested verification documents to address impersonation concerns. Ambassador Duru confirmed that IHRC would provide the required materials promptly, adding that IHRC remains an independent global humanitarian organisation, supported by partners and individual donors, and is not funded by any government.
The meeting also underscored the historical continuity of IHRC’s engagement in Nigeria, recalling the earlier official visit of Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik, Secretary-General of the IHRC Corporation. The longstanding cooperation, the delegation noted, reflects IHRC’s sustained commitment to supporting Nigerian institutions in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.
The visit concluded with a symbolic gift presentation to NAPTIP’s Director-General, followed by an official photograph session — marking a renewed chapter of collaboration in Nigeria’s fight against trafficking and exploitation.
Reporter:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media and Strategic Communications, IHRC Nigeria
IHRC and NAPTIP Collaboration: A Strategic Response to Human Trafficking in Nigeria
Collaboration between the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is a fundamental requirement in addressing the growing challenge of human trafficking in Nigeria. Human trafficking remains one of the most serious violations of human rights, affecting women, children, and vulnerable persons through forced labour, sexual exploitation, child trafficking, and other forms of abuse.
A strong partnership between IHRC and NAPTIP would enhance public awareness, strengthen community-based surveillance, improve victim identification and referral mechanisms, and promote effective advocacy for the protection of human rights. While NAPTIP is the statutory agency responsible for preventing and prosecuting trafficking-related offences, IHRC can complement these efforts through human rights education, community engagement, monitoring, capacity building, and collaboration with civil society organizations.
This collaboration should focus on preventive education, intelligence sharing within legal frameworks, support for victims’ rehabilitation and reintegration, youth empowerment programmes, and campaigns against all forms of exploitation. Working together will also encourage communities to report suspected trafficking cases promptly and strengthen national efforts to combat modern slavery.
Given the increasing incidence of human trafficking in Nigeria, a coordinated partnership between IHRC and NAPTIP is not only desirable but essential for protecting vulnerable populations, promoting justice, and advancing the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual.
This is a highly commendable update. The sustained partnership between IHRC Nigeria and NAPTIP is a vital step forward in the collective fight against human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable populations in our country. As an incoming volunteer and aspiring Peace Ambassador, seeing this level of institutional collaboration and humanitarian diplomacy is incredibly inspiring. Kudos to the IHRC delegation and the Head of Media, Fidelis Onakpoma, for capturing this impactful renewed chapter of cooperation.
Stronger partnerships like this are essential in the fight against human trafficking. Commendations to National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the International Human Rights Commission for reinforcing collaboration toward protecting vulnerable lives and advancing human dignity. Wishing this renewed partnership lasting impact and measurable results.
This is a welcoming development that will help in tackling the human trafficking activities which leads some people to a very difficult life and the collaboration would enhance both the IHRC and NAPTIP services to the core level
This is very paramount and requires urgent attention .
the collaboration is so much necessary and will end trafficking. It’s a very important step towards humanity.
this collaboration will end exportation and trafficking in Nigeria and I think is a welcome development and a very good partnership at least human right will be able to protect individuals and end the abuses from either non governmental organizations or government institutions so it’s a welcome development