The Federal Government, through the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has commended France and Italy for their €1.43 million funding support under the Common Operational Partnership (COP) project aimed at dismantling human trafficking networks in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The project, which will run until 2027, is 93% funded by the European Union (EU) and jointly implemented by CIVIPOL (the consulting agency of France’s Interior Ministry) and NAPTIP, under the coordination of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) through its Migration Partnership Facility (MPF).
Speaking at the signing of the partnership framework in Abuja, NAPTIP Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, represented by the Director of Research, Programmes and Development, Josiah Emerole, said the collaboration will consolidate NAPTIP’s achievements under its five core pillars—Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.
Bello described the partnership as a strategic opportunity to introduce evidence-based, context-specific approaches to tackling trafficking and related crimes. She expressed appreciation to France, Italy, the EU, and other partners for their technical and financial support, noting that the cooperation reflects shared responsibility and global solidarity in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
She added that the COP project would enhance investigations, improve prosecution outcomes, and strengthen support for victims and survivors. Bello urged all stakeholders to remain united, emphasizing that “together, we can make COP not only a model of success for Nigeria but also a benchmark for regional cooperation across West Africa.”
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the COP as a milestone in the joint effort to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling. He noted that Nigeria remains a key player in this global challenge—as a source, transit, and destination country—and that the COP’s results-driven approach, involving needs assessment, training, equipment support, and mentoring, will ensure sustainable impact.
Similarly, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, said the initiative is both concrete and ambitious, focusing on strengthening law enforcement agencies, enhancing information sharing, encouraging joint investigations, and improving victim support systems.
Also speaking, Isabelle Wolfsgruber, Head of ICMPD, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to continuous collaboration with both state and non-state actors in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
ADEOLA KUNLE
