Nigeria, Finland Sign MoU to Curb Human Trafficking

 Nigeria and the Republic of Finland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening ties between both countries especially in the fight against human trafficking and related crimesorld.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by Mr Josiah Emerole, Head of Media at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP).

The statement stated that NAPTIP Executive Secretary Mrs Beatrice Jedy- Agba, signed on behalf of the Federal Government while Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury signed for her country.

It said the MoU was specifically aimed enhancing the working relationship between NAPTIP and the Ministry of the lnterior of the Republic of Finland.

It added that NAPTIP and Finland had over the years worked together to curb human trafficking related problems affecting Nigeria and Finland.

The statement stated that during the signing ceremony, Jedy-Agba advocated for a united and holistic approach by nations of the world in the fight against human trafficking.

She said that no one country had the capacity to curb human trafficking within its territory.

She stressed the need for both countries to maintain areas of collaboration identified in the United Nations Palermo Protocol.

The Executive Secretary said that a holistic response to curb human trafficking would imply the adoption of the 4ps of Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership by all countries.

“This understanding informed the setting up of the Training and Manpower Development Department and the Intelligence and International Cooperation Unit of NAPTIP.

“The agency has been working with other Law Enforcement Agencies, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations in tackling the problems of human trafficking in Nigeria,’’ she said.

The statement said the Finnish ambassador expressed her country’s appreciation of the reception by NAPTIP and the cooperation between the two countries on issues relating to countering human trafficking.

It said the ambassador informed the Executive Secretary of her country’s desire to sustain the relationship between both countries as part of Finland’s plan of sustaining the defence of human rights of victims.

It added that the exchange of information and experience on the laws and regulations relating to trafficking in persons in both countries was among other components of the MoU.