The United States of America has stepped up its efforts to ensure that human trafficking is brought to an end in Nigeria.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State, during a two-day retreat, brought together Nigerian judicial officers, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials, to deliberate on improving the investigations and prosecution of human trafficking cases.

A statement by the office of the U.S. Consul General, Claire Pierangelo, detailed that participants engaged in a robust dialogue on witness management and protection.

The workshop also considered the best practice for prosecuting and adjudicating human trafficking cases under the Nigerian judicial system.

Ms. Pierangelo said the retreat was part of a U.S.-funded rule of law project meant to strengthen state and non-state institutions’ capacities to assist, support, and protect victims of trafficking in Nigeria.

She added that the U.S. government was proud of its continued partnership with Nigeria.

“We are proud of our continued partnership with the Government of Nigeria with its continued efforts to build upon its successes in ensuring the trafficking of persons and smuggling of migrant cases are prosecuted effectively and fairly, and those convicted receive the appropriate penalties,” Ms. Pierangelo said.

According to the diplomat, the U.S. government has supported Nigeria’s anti-trafficking campaign through the Federal Ministry of Justice, NAPTIP, and Nigeria Immigration Service, as well as civil society groups in “different thematic areas of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.”