Reps Push Stronger Rehabilitation Framework For Human Trafficking Survivors

The House of Representatives is advocating a coordinated national framework to strengthen the rehabilitation and reintegration of Nigerians rescued from human trafficking, particularly those returning from Mali and other West African countries.

The call follows concerns that many survivors remain vulnerable to exploitation and re-trafficking due to inadequate rehabilitation and limited economic opportunities after their return.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, Chairperson of the House Committee on Humanitarian Services, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, said rehabilitation must go beyond repatriation to include healthcare, psychosocial support, skills acquisition and economic empowerment to enable survivors rebuild their lives with dignity.

She also pledged legislative support to strengthen the country’s anti-trafficking institutions and improve assistance for victims.

Stakeholders at the meeting called for tougher anti-trafficking measures, improved repatriation processes and increased funding to strengthen victim rescue operations, investigation and prosecution of traffickers, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors.

Representatives of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to improve protection for trafficking survivors and reduce the risk of re-trafficking.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to work together in strengthening Nigeria’s response to human trafficking through improved coordination, victim support and sustainable reintegration programmes.