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

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