Senate moves to tackle human trafficking
Abuja, October. 27, 2026 .Senate has approved measures to strengthen anti-trafficking laws, investigate trafficking networks associated with Nigerian citizens in Libya.
It also adopted measures to increase funding for relevant agencies and establish a national reintegration programme for Nigerians rescued from trafficking and exploitation abroad.
This followed consideration of a joint report by the Senate Committees on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Foreign Affairs and Special Duties at plenary on Tuesday.
Firstnews reports that the committee ‘s report was on urgent need to protect Nigerians from trafficking, slavery and human rights abuses in Libya.
Presenting the report, Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Anthony Yaro (PDP -Gombe ), said the committees consulted stakeholders and examined issues raised before presenting its recommendations.
He said the recommendations were designed to reinforce Nigeria’s institutional response to trafficking , improve victim protection and disrupt criminal networks.
Akpabio in his remarks, recounted a case of three children allegedly abducted in Akwa Ibom and moved through Aba, Katsina and Lagos before rescue by the police after 93 days.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police and Akwa Ibom Police Command and pledged scholarship to university level for the eldest child of the affected family.
He called for stringent tenancy regulations, proposing a “Know Your Tenant” system and regulation of renting apartments through valid identification to assist security agencies.
Akpabio also urged the National Orientation Agency(NOA) to intensify public education, warning that victims were lured with promises of jobs and education before exploitation.
Senator Aminu Tambuwal(ADC-Sokoto ) said a bill he proposed as then Speaker of House of Representatives on tenancy registration to all state assemblies was not passed by the assemblies.
He, however, said the biil was later enacted in Sokoto with a Rent Control and Management Commission, urging the Senate to encourage other states to emulate it.
Senator Neda Imasuen (APC -Edo)said effectiveness of the recommendations would depend on enforcement of existing laws,while Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC-Jigawa) noted that Lagos state had operated a tenancy law since 2012.
Senator Adamu Aliero (APC- Kebbi) said state governments should create employment to reduce pressure to travel abroad through dangerous channels.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole(APC-Edo) said that trafficking must be treated as an international issue requiring action against demand in destination countries.
Senate in its further resolutions, called for a review and stronger enforcement of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 and the Child Rights Act 2003.
It also urged relevant agencies of government to investigate suspected trafficking networks and travel agencies allegedly involved in recruitment and exploitation of Nigerians abroad.
The agencies are National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP),Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria tImmigration Service, among and others.
The investigations are expected to examine recruitment networks, financial transactions, travel arrangements and other evidence to identify and prosecute offenders.
The Senate further recommended increased funding for NAPTIP and other agencies to improve capacity to investigate, prosecute offenders and assist victims.
It called on federal government to establish a national reintegration and protection programme for returning victims, to be coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in collaboration with NAPTIP.
On international cooperation, Senate urged the federal government, via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to intensify diplomatic engagement with Libya to combat trafficking, modern-day slavery and irregular migration.
The proposed cooperation, according to Senate will focus on intelligence sharing, border management, dismantling trafficking networks, protection of vulnerable migrants and repatriation of victims.
