In a significant move towards strengthening its operational framework regarding the prevention of human trafficking, protection of victims, and promotion of safe and orderly migration in Nigeria, tthe National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and its partners have kick-started a capacity development workshop for the Agency’s staff, a Statement by Vincent Adekoye, the National Press Officer, NAPTIP has revealed.
With the partnership of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and with support from the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this initiative aims to bolster NAPTIP’s institutional systems in its ongoing mission to prevent human trafficking, protect victims, and promote safe and orderly migration in Nigeria.
The workshop, organized with support from the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and other stakeholders, intends to upskill NAPTIP’s personnel and introduce essential training policy reforms. Key areas of focus will include the streamlining of documentation, departmental restructuring, and the enhancement of service conditions.
As NAPTIP continues to expand its scope, complexity, and geographical reach, there is an urgent need to modernize its human resource (HR) framework. This modernization is crucial to align with evolving operational realities and national public service standards.
Over the years, NAPTIP has transformed from a specialized institution into a multi-sectoral organization with various technical and administrative functions. However, this transformation has also revealed gaps and overlaps within its HR management systems.
To address these challenges, a thorough review and harmonization of NAPTIP’s scheme of service, conditions of service, and organizational structure are needed. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure alignment with the agency’s current needs, promote accountability, and enhance staff motivation and productivity.
The Director General/CEO of NAPTIP, Binta Bello,, while declaring open the workshop in Keffi, Nasarawa State, pointed out that the workshop is one of the well-planned steps to enhance the operations of the Agency.
“This workshop marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the institutional framework of NAPTIP to better deliver on our mandate of combating human trafficking, protecting victims, and promoting safe and orderly migration.
“Over the years, the Agency has expanded in scope and operations, requiring a more robust and coherent structure that aligns with evolving national and international realities.
“The decision to undertake this comprehensive review of our HR documents is not only timely but strategic. As we grow, so must our internal systems, processes, and governance frameworks.
“A well-defined Scheme and Conditions of Service remain the bedrock of an efficient and motivated workforce. It ensures fairness, transparency, accountability, and above all, clarity in roles, responsibilities, and career progression,” Bello affirmed.
This workshop, she stressed presents stakeholders with an opportunity to collectively assess, refine, and validate the consultant’s draft reports, ensuring that every recommendation reflects the operational realities of NAPTIP while aligning with the public service rules and directives of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
Bello expressed appreciation to ICMPD with the support from the from the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their continued partnership and support to NAPTIP’s institutional strengthening initiatives, adding, your collaboration has been instrumental in advancing our capacity development agenda and enhancing governance structures within the agency.
“The quality of outcomes from this workshop will shape the future of our human resource management and, by extension, our ability to deliver effectively on our core mandate.
“The task before us is a crucial one; it is about building a more responsive, efficient, and forward-looking Agency. I am confident that with your expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit, we will achieve remarkable results.” The DG, stated.
Speaking earlier at the commencement of the workshop, the Head of Mission of ICMPD in Nigeria, Isabelle Wolfsgruber, said the Centre shall continue to partner with relevant organs of Government to scale up the fight against trafficking in Persons and Violence against persons in Nigeria.
She tasked the participants on the need to come out with a robust document that will boost the operation of the Agency and strengthen the fight against human trafficking in the Country.
The National Press Officer of NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, who spoke highly of ICMPD, while fielding questions from Journalists, reiterated that NAPTIP is poised to strengthen its capabilities in the fight against human trafficking, ensuring a safer and more efficient service delivery to the vulnerable populations it aims to protect.
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