Member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have voiced increasing concern over the rising cases of human trafficking and related crimes within the region. This came to the fore during the 17th Annual Review Meeting of the ECOWAS Regional Network of National Focal Institutions against Trafficking in Persons Plus (RNNI-TIP+) in Lagos.
Josiah Emerole, the Director of Intelligence, Research, and Programme Development at Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), emphasised the gravity of the issue, calling human trafficking a modern-day form of slavery. He highlighted that the crime remains a significant challenge for both regional and international authorities.
He said, “Many West African countries serve as countries of origin, transit, and destination for trafficking victims. In Mali alone, an estimated 20,000 Nigerian young women are being exploited. Through coordinated efforts with other countries, we ensure that victims are treated according to international protocols while traffickers are prosecuted.”
Emerole’s remarks reflect the complex nature of the issue, where countries are both suppliers and receivers of trafficking victims, making the problem multifaceted and difficult to tackle.
Dehunge Shiaka, Executive Director of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, who chaired the meeting, noted that collaborative efforts are essential in the fight against trafficking. “Countries of origin, transit, and destination must work together as a team to combat trafficking in Africa,” he stated. “Much of the success relies on member countries identifying victims, providing support, and raising awareness to prevent trafficking, while also pursuing and prosecuting offenders.”
Shiaka further revealed that the meeting resulted in the allocation of $35,000 to each ECOWAS member country for victim rehabilitation and support. In Sierra Leone, this funding has already facilitated vital assistance for 51 trafficking victims, including food, non-food items, skills acquisition, and support for small business start-ups.
