President Muhammadu Buhari has told the international community that Nigeria is averse to modern slavery and has a strong commitment to combat it. He spoke Monday in New York at a meeting on modern slavery hosted by British Prime Minister Theresa May on the margins of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the residence of the United Kingdom Permanent Representative to the UN.
The president emphasized that it was worrisome that human trafficking and modern day slavery had created a dangerous political economy of their own.
“In consequence, this international criminality is defined by the activities of human traffickers that lure unsuspecting victims into forced labour, inhuman treatment, money laundering and prostitution. Nigeria is ready and willing to partner with other countries and international organisations to confront this phenomenon.
“We have a strong commitment to combating the menace of modern slavery, and will redouble our efforts to prohibit human trafficking while providing succour to its hapless victims,” he said.
He assured his audience to count on the support of Nigeria in dealing with ‘this evil’ which he said constituted an unacceptable stain on human dignity and conscience in the 21st century.
