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By Christian Agadibe
The Chairperson of the Anti-Human Trafficking Sub-Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch Human Rights Committee, Mrs Rita Ifeyinwa George-Okoh has called for greater public awareness and stronger collaboration in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
Rita made the call while participating in activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons organised by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) alongside partner organisations and stakeholders.
The awareness campaign featured a road walk from the NAPTIP office through Computer Village to the Ikeja Under Bridge and back, with participants distributing flyers and educating members of the public on the dangers of human trafficking, how to identify it, and ways to avoid becoming victims.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Rita said she attended in her capacity as Chairperson of the Anti-Human Trafficking Sub-Committee of the NBA Lagos Branch Human Rights Committee, noting that public education remains one of the most effective tools in tackling the crime.
“Many people become victims or even unknowingly aid human trafficking simply because they do not understand what it is or how it operates. That is why awareness is so important. By taking this message directly to the public, we are helping people recognise the warning signs, protect themselves and others, and encourage timely reporting to the appropriate authorities,” she said.
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She explained that the sensitisation exercise focused on educating the public about the various forms of human trafficking, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, child trafficking and domestic servitude, while encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs. Comfort Agboko, stressed that human trafficking is a criminal offence and warned that ignorance of the law cannot be used as a defence.
According to her, this is why the agency continues to intensify public sensitisation campaigns across communities to ensure people understand the crime, recognise its warning signs, and avoid becoming victims or perpetrators.
Rita added that although the Anti-Human Trafficking Sub-Committee is relatively new, commemorating the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons has become an important annual advocacy initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable persons and strengthening public awareness.
She reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to working closely with NAPTIP and other stakeholders to promote access to justice for survivors, strengthen preventive measures, and support efforts to eradicate human trafficking across Nigeria.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, serves as a global reminder that ending human trafficking requires collective action from governments, institutions, professionals and members of the public. For the NBA Lagos Branch Human Rights Committee, the message remains clear: speaking out, educating communities and standing up for vulnerable persons are critical steps toward ending exploitation and building a society where every individual’s dignity and freedom are protected.
