Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking has received a boost with the upgrading and refurbishing of 17 shelters for victims and survivors of human trafficking.
The upgrade and refurbishment of the shelters was carried out by Action Against Trafficking in Person and Smuggling of Migrants (A-TIPSOM), a project funded by European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Ibero-America Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP).
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The upgraded and refurbished shelters were managed by the Network of CSOs Against Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) and the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
A-TIPSOM team lead, Raphel Meloni, while addressing journalists in Abuja during the presentation of the shelters to NAPTIP and NACTAL, said the move was part of activities by the European Union to celebrate the EU Anti-trafficking Day.
The European Commission established the EU Anti-Trafficking Day in 2007 and is marked on October 18.
He said the essence of the project is to provide a better life for victims and survivors of human trafficking, adding that the upgraded and refurbished shelters would help in this regard.
In his remarks, the representative of NACTAL, Abdulganiyu Abubakar, commended the EU for the programme, adding that it has helped in Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking.
“This is the first time a partner is investing in our centres in several years.
“We will reciprocate this gesture by ensuring we provide the best services for these survivors and also maintain these facilities and we will continue to take these messages to the state and local government so that they can own this intervention,” he said.
Some items provided to the shelters included 195 iron bunk beds, 390 mattresses, 11 gas cookers, 300 mosquito treated nets, 50 solar flood lights, 13 sofa, refrigerators, freezers, and office equipment.
One of the beneficiaries, Director of Daughters of Abraham Foundation (DOAF), Abuja, Mrs Margaret Bargo, said her shelter was among the 11 refurbished shelters.
She said the walls were painted while the floors were tiled among other things done by the A-TIPSOM team.
She said more 500 girls will benefit from the refurbished facility.
The 17 upgraded and refurbished centres are spread across six Nigerian states.
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