NAPTIP, ICMPD Train Ogun School Principals to Tackle Human Trafficking

In a determined effort to stem human trafficking in Ogun State, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has teamed up with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) to train school principals and coordinators of Anti-Trafficking Vanguard Clubs.

The two-day workshop, held in Abeokuta, was designed to equip educators with essential skills to detect, prevent, and respond to signs of human trafficking within school environments.

Speaking at the event, Rhoda Dia-Johnson, Project Manager for ICMPD’s School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project, described human trafficking as a grave global crisis that preys heavily on children and youths.

She underscored the importance of empowering schoolchildren to become informed and resilient, noting that principals and Vanguard Club coordinators serve as the first line of defense.

“You’re not just educators; you are guardians of safe spaces where exploitation can be detected, trust nurtured, and young voices heard,” Dia-Johnson stated.

Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, represented by the Director of Education Support Service, Akinola Okereafo, also addressed participants. He emphasized that schools go beyond academics, playing a critical role in shaping values, identity, and resilience. He revealed that the state has begun integrating Psychosocial Support Frameworks and Safe School Child Protection Policies into its education system.

Meanwhile, NAPTIP Director General Hajia Binta Bello, represented by Director of Research and Program Development, Josiah Emerole, identified Ogun as one of Nigeria’s hotspots for human trafficking. Bello called on the state government to enact and enforce stronger laws, especially in border areas, to curb the menace.

She urged local authorities to back NAPTIP’s mission by creating robust legal frameworks that safeguard the most vulnerable.