Maritime
NSC Partners NAPTIP Against Human Trafficking
Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says it would partner with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Money Management Series (MMS) to eliminate human trafficking at Nigeria’s waterways.
The Council, as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator, also affirmed its readiness to boost surveillance and collaborate with NAPTIP and MMS owards this end.
Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, stated that the Council is commitment to supporting the fight against human trafficking, particularly stowaway and related crimes.
He assured NAPTIP and MMS of the Council’s readiness to provide necessary support to actualize their aspirations.
Earlier, the Director, NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with agencies such as the NSC in preventing and reporting trafficking activities at the country’s waters.
She commended the NSC’s role in overseeing critical gateways to the nation’s trade and transport system.
Also Speaking, a member of the Women of Fortune Hall of Fame (WOFHoF) initiative, Hajia Lami Tumaka, cited a report by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that the global shipping industry lost $8.9 million to 364 stowaways between February 2020 and February 2021.
The statistic, she said, underscores the need for collaborative efforts to combat human trafficking.
“The NSC, NAPTIP, and MMS are set to work together to strengthen surveillance and prevent human trafficking at Nigeria’s waterways.
“This partnership aims to protect the nation’s trade and transport system from the scourge of human trafficking”, Tumaka said.
By: Stories by Chinedu Wosu