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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Nigeria, France and Italy have struck a partnership deal to strengthen the fight against human trafficking and other related crimes in Nigeria, and perhaps, within its borders.
To this end, a Common Operational Partnership (COP) for the France-Italy-Nigeria project was signed in Abuja, yesterday, that will run until June 2027, with a budget of €1.43 million which 93 per cent was co-funded by the European Union (EU).
EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in his address, said the project aims to achieve two objectives. First is to enhance the capacity of the officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to dismantle trafficking and smuggling networks, while protecting victims; and second, is to strengthen regional and
international cooperation against these crimes.
He explained that its methodology is practical and results-driven. “It starts with a comprehensive needs assessment, followed by tailored training, equipment provision, and daily mentoring. This approach builds trust and ensures sustainable impact.
“The European Commission’s Internal Strategy known as ProtectEU, also announced a new EU strategy on combating trafficking in human beings in 2026, with concrete actions to take into account the new trends and challenges. However, cooperation with countries of origin and transit of victims and traffickers will continue to be part of the new strategy.”
French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, also said the partnership reflects strong commitment and shared conviction that human dignity knows no borders, and that combating human trafficking is not just a necessity, but a moral duty for all nations. He maintained that human trafficking remains a silent but devastating scourge that destroys lives, tears families apart, and undermines the very foundations of societies’ existence, while its victims who are often women and children are exploited, abused, and deprived of their freedom.
The French Ambassador further noted that behind the human tragedies lie powerful, well-organised criminal networks, transnational, but also regional thriving on poverty, instability, and inequality. Hence, faced with such a global threat, no country can act alone.
“That is why France, together with Italy and Nigeria, has chosen to strengthen our operational collaboration by joining efforts, combining expertise, and pooling resources to dismantle these networks, protect victims, and prevent new tragedies.
“The project is both concrete and ambitious. It is action-oriented and forward-looking. Its aim is to strengthen the capacities of law enforcement agencies, particularly the NAPTIP to improve information sharing, encourage joint investigations, and ensure coordinated support for victims.
“This initiative continues the commitments our countries have made within the framework of the United Nations, the EU, ECOWAS, and other international bodies where the fight against humán trafficking remains a top priority and a shared responsibility.
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“But this project goes even further. It reflects our determination to act on the ground, side by side, in a spirit of mutual trust and shared responsibility.”
Earlier, Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, who was represented by Josiah Emerole, director of research and programme development in the agency, explained that the partnership represents a strategic opportunity to consolidate achievements and introduce evidence-based, context-specific approaches to tackling human trafficking and other related crimes in Nigeria.
She said the project is built around four key pillars, namely, joint needs assessment, training and mentoring, operational support, and geographic focus. “The COP project also provides a comprehensive framework to enhance investigation, prosecution, and victim-centered interventions.
“Equally important, it will promote effective intelligence sharing, joint operations, and operational synergy among NAPTIP’s zonal commands and our regional partners in West Africa.”
She disclosed that the project will commence with pilot implementation in a few target States which includes Cross River, Osun, Katsina, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), that are strategically positioned along high-risk trafficking and migration corridors.
“These routes have witnessed increasing volumes of irregular movement and emerging trafficking trends aimed at accessing developed countries. Hence, addressing these challenges requires coordinated and sustained action, which this initiative aptly supports.”
She commended the Government of France, CIVIPOL(a consulting company of the French Ministry of Interior), the Italian Ministry of Interior, the EU, and all other partners for their unwavering support, technical expertise, and steadfast commitment to the cause.
“Your collaboration reinforces the spirit of shared responsibility and global solidarity in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling,” she said.
The NAPTIP Boss was, however, confident that through the COP project, the collective work against human trafficking will yield stronger investigations, more successful prosecutions, and better support for victims and survivors.
She also urged all the stakeholders to remain united and focused on their shared vision, insisting that “together, we can make the Common Operational Partnership not only a model of success for Nigeria but also a benchmark for regional cooperation and best practices across West Africa.”
The representatives of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and CIVIPOL also expressed hope that proper implementation of the COP Project will herald improved results as regards the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria and beyond.
