A startling revelation from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) has exposed the disproportionate impact of human trafficking on children in West Africa. The organization disclosed that over 75 per cent of trafficked victims in the region are minors.
Education as a Frontline Defence
Isabelle Wolfsgruber, the Head of Office for ICMPD Nigeria, highlighted the critical need for preventive efforts, specifically within the educational system. She made this known on Tuesday in Benin City during a two-day training workshop for subject teachers. The event, part of the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), was held in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Edo State Government.
Wolfsgruber, whose speech was delivered by Favour Simeon of ICMPD, stated that the alarming statistics underscore the urgent need to "leverage education as a powerful tool to prevent trafficking." She expressed confidence that the training would equip 150 teachers from 50 schools across Edo State with the knowledge to identify trafficking risks, recognize warning signs, and implement safety strategies for the larger school community.
National and State Authorities Weigh In
Echoing the gravity of the situation, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, described trafficking in persons as "one of the gravest human rights violations confronting Nigeria today." Represented by Hassan Tahri, the DG provided a national perspective, revealing that children account for more than 55 per cent of identified victims in Nigeria. She stressed the necessity of a collective effort to safeguard children and strengthen the national response through education.
On the state level, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, acknowledged the state's painful history with human trafficking. While noting the "tremendous progress" made in recent years, Iyamu insisted on the need to consolidate these gains. He affirmed that education remains the most powerful tool for shaping values and protecting the next generation from exploitation, promising that his ministry would reinforce preventive strategies in schools.
Dr. Iyamu characterized the teacher training not as a mere workshop, but as a "strategic investment in the human infrastructure" that supports the fight against Trafficking in Persons (TIP). The initiative aims to transform teachers into child protection advocates, fostering safe and collaborative school environments across Edo State.
