By Victor Oroyi
The impact of irregular migration and its accompanying threat of human trafficking has been described as a derogatory factor to the growth of any society, which government at all levels must create more economic opportunities for young Nigerians to address this menace.
Moses Siasia, Chairman/Founder of Nigerian Young Professionals Forum NYPF, made this assertion during a conference on international action on illegal migration and trafficking in persons in Abuja.
The conference which had Strengthening a multi-stakeholder partnership and creating cooperation in curbing illegal migration and human trafficking as its theme, stressed that every Nigerian has a role to combat this threat.
Siasia said this role should not be left to governments alone, adding that the private sector should be involved in creating economic pathways for young people adding that NYPF will train and empower victims of human trafficking so that they can add value to the society.
The Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP), Julie Okah-Donli, who was the keynote speaker lamented the increasing figure of irregular migrants across the country.
Represented by the agency’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Arinze Orakwue, the DG said the agency is working with embassies and relevant law enforcement agencies to curb human trafficking.
The NAPTIP boss said the agency has extended its partnership to the private sector and captains of industries to encourage them to focus their corporate social responsibilities to support the fight against trafficking in the country.
The DG said migration is a positive phenomenon if regulated and coordinated, saying it is a complex global issue that concerns every nation and enjoined all relevant stakeholders to adopt a win-win partnership strategy to curb irregular migration.
In his goodwill message to the conference, the European Union Deputy Head of Delegation to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Young urged the Federal Government to be tough on the crime and address the causes of trafficking in the country saying illegal migration and trafficking remained a major threat that requires a consensus effort to address.
He said the scourge required an honest, comprehensive and integrated approach to address.
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