As part of strategies aimed at intensifying the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria, the Action Against Trafficking in Persons, AATiP, Cluster, anchored by the Justice, Development and Peace Commission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, has concluded a 3-day training programme for journalists.
The training which took place in Abuja, focused on equipping media professionals with the skills and knowledge needed for effective coverage and reporting on Counter-Trafficking in Persons, CTIP, activities.
In his welcome remarks, Executive Director at Justice, Development and Peace Commission, Reverend Father Solomon Uko, underscored the spiritual dimension of their mission.
He expressed the organization’s reliance on media partners to effectively communicate the right message to the public. “The essence of this project,” Father Uko stated, “will only be fully realized when we convey the right message.”
The Programmes Director of the Commission, Mr. Timothy Ejeh, emphasized the critical role of the media in addressing this challenge.
Ejeh, stressed that the media is a vital part of society, as they play an essential role in mobilizing public opinion and influencing policymakers to make decisions that benefit the less privileged.
“This training aimed to help the media gain a deep understanding of human trafficking and how to report on it effectively, especially concerning vulnerable groups such as victims of human trafficking and violence against persons,” he said.
He noted that the goal was to foster the commitment of media outlets across Nigeria and promote collaboration in countering trafficking in persons in the country.
Giving more insight into the complexities of tackling human trafficking, Chief Intelligence Officer at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Cynthia Nnoli, referred to the menace as an “anomalous” and “Hydra-headed” issue, stressing the importance of a unified effort.
She emphasized the challenges they face in combating human trafficking, describing it as a complex and multifaceted issue. She stressed the need for adequate funding and essential tools, such as vehicles, computers, Wi-Fi, and internet systems, to support their efforts.
The Chief Intelligence Officer further highlighted the importance of funds for maintaining and expanding shelters, which currently number 14.
She underlined the urgency of seeking external interventions to enable NAPTIP to operate optimally.
The training covered various aspects, such as Overview of TIP, Victims identification & Issues around stigma and discrimination suffered by survivors, Legal framework: Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement & Administration, TIPPEA, Acts 2015 as re-enacted
reporting sensitively on the experiences of victims, and shedding light on successful counter-trafficking initiatives.
