PRESS RELEASES

Nigeria Remains in Tier Two Rating but Cited On Efforts to Raise Awareness about Trafficking

June 13, 2007

The Sixth annual Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report was released on Tuesday, June 12.  Nigeria is categorized in the report as Tier 2, the same as in 2006.  The report said Nigeria is making significant efforts, but does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.  The report also observed that the Nigerian Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) continued to host quarterly trafficking stakeholder forums for government, NGO, international organization and donor representatives.

The report also disclosed that the Government of Nigeria demonstrated solid efforts to raise awareness about trafficking during the reporting period, but to improve its response to trafficking, Nigeria should: increase convictions of trafficking offenders; provide improved care for trafficking victims; offer expanded legal alternatives to the removal of foreign victims to countries where they face hardship or retribution; and ensure that the rights of foreign victims are respected. 

In 2006, Nigeria developed a national action plan against trafficking, which awaits presidential approval.  Follow this link for the full report: http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2007/82806.htm

Nigeria’s  Esohe Aghatise, Founding Director, Iroko Association was mentioned in the U.S. Department of State’s 2007 Trafficking in Persons Report as among the heroes trying to end modern day slavery.  Activist Esohe Aghatise’s NGO provides assistance to women and girls trafficked to Italy from Nigeria.  The Iroko Association provides transitional housing and child care, counseling; legal advocacy, immigration and economic assistance, vocational training and employment placement for women and girls trafficked and prosecuted in Italy.  Read Full story: http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2007/82801.htm

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