The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for the use of robust criminal justice mechanisms to combat human trafficking in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.

Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, ECOWAS director of humanitarian and social affairs, made the call at the sidelines of the 28th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum (NSCF)/Summit on Trafficking in Persons on Friday in Abuja.

She was represented by Olatunde Olayemi, programme and regional advisor at the commission.

Ms Tarfa-Ugbe emphasised that the criminal justice system remained a central pillar in addressing human trafficking, stressing the need for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle the menace effectively.

“The criminal justice system is one of the key pillars required in a comprehensive response to trafficking.

“This must be complemented by stronger social protection systems, a capable social service workforce, child protection mechanisms, and effective cross-border collaboration among source, transit, and destination countries,” she said.

She noted that persistent vulnerabilities in the ECOWAS region, including displacement due to conflict and the rise in criminal networks, had increased the risk of trafficking and exploitation.

“West Africans, including Nigerians, face increased exposure to violence and exploitation.

“This constitutes human trafficking and reflects gaps in protection and prevention frameworks across our region,” she added.

Ms Tarfa-Ugbe commended the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for its ongoing efforts but noted that more needed to be done across ECOWAS member states to close existing gaps.

She reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to supporting cross-border cooperation, promoting child rights, ending child labour, and implementing emergency protection initiatives to promote peace and human security.

Also speaking at the event, Chibalani Katongo, protection officer at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), representing IOM Chief of Mission, Dimanche Sharon, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration.

Ms Sharon lauded Nigeria’s role in leading anti-trafficking efforts and acknowledged the ongoing collaboration with state agencies, civil society, and international partners, particularly the European Union (EU).

In a related development, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), urged NAPTIP to pursue prosecution in a recent case involving two Nigerian citizens trafficked to the Central African Republic under the guise of job offers.

“The victims have been rescued, but we must go after those who lured them abroad with false promises,” she said, while reiterating the federal government’s commitment to fighting trafficking and child abduction.

Ms Dabiri-Erewa emphasised the need to remain vigilant in protecting Nigerian citizens, particularly children, from exploitation both within and outside the country.

(NAN)