Key Takeaways
- Chief Titi Atiku Abubakar stated that Nigerian girls trafficked abroad are increasingly perceived as a 'nuisance' in their host countries.
- International partners are supporting Nigeria's anti-trafficking efforts, encouraging girls to remain and thrive within their home country.
- NACTAL's review found the US 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report underrepresented Nigeria's substantial contributions to combating human trafficking.
- Challenges include inadequate government funding, weak political will, and difficulties in prosecuting high-profile cases.
- NACTAL plans a significant expansion of its civil society network, aiming to grow from 286 to 1,000 member organisations within a year.
Abuja, Nigeria – Chief Titi Atiku Abubakar, wife of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Chairperson of NACTAL's Board of Trustees, has issued a stark warning on human trafficking. Speaking in Abuja, she expressed profound concern that Nigerian girls trafficked abroad are increasingly becoming a 'nuisance' in their host nations, prompting significant international intervention.
Her comments came during NACTAL's review presentation of the US 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report. Abubakar, also WOTCLEF's founder, highlighted international partners' support for Nigeria's anti-trafficking efforts, aiming to empower girls to remain safely within their country. "Our girls are becoming nuisance in overseas countries. So that is why these partners are helping us," she stated, emphasizing domestic thriving.
A Unified Front Against Exploitation
Beyond the international perspective, Chief Abubakar called for greater collaboration among civil society organisations (CSOs). She stressed that NACTAL cannot single-handedly tackle the multifaceted challenges of trafficking, abuse, and child labour. Describing the groups working alongside NACTAL as 'frontline actors,' she urged a collective approach. "NACTAL has about 286 foot soldiers, those are the CSOs that are working with NACTAL because NACTAL alone cannot do it. So we must bring everybody on board to help in this fight," she asserted.
Nigeria's Efforts Underrepresented in Global Report
Abdulganiu Abubakar, immediate past NACTAL president, revealed NACTAL's review found the US 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report largely underrepresented Nigeria's substantial contributions. He noted development partners' instrumental role in policy development, victim assistance, and refurbishing shelters run by CSOs and NAPTIP. Despite support for approximately 10 NAPTIP shelters and extensive work by over 289 NACTAL member organisations, these vital interventions were not adequately reflected.
Persistent Challenges and Future Vision
Abdulganiu Abubakar candidly acknowledged Nigeria grapples with significant hurdles: inadequate government funding, weak political will, and persistent shortcomings in prosecuting high-profile trafficking cases. "The government of Nigeria needs to do a lot in terms of funding. The political will and commitment should improve," he urged, calling for increased financial allocations and an enabling environment for civil society groups.
NACTAL President Osita Osemene outlined ambitious plans to expand the network from 286 CSOs to 500 within three months, and to at least 1,000 within a year. This expansion, he explained, will be complemented by robust capacity-building programmes to strengthen support for victims and vulnerable populations. "The fight against human trafficking is a collective responsibility, and everybody must come together to ensure that this fight is won," Osemene declared.
Why This Matters
The candid assessment by Chief Titi Atiku Abubakar and NACTAL leaders underscores the severe human rights crisis posed by trafficking and its detrimental impact on Nigeria's international standing. A concerted, well-funded, and politically supported national strategy, bolstered by robust civil society collaboration, is imperative not only to protect vulnerable citizens but also to restore dignity and ensure justice for those exploited.