By Dele Ogbodo/Felix Shammah/Amina Aminu
The Federal Government, France and Italy through the Common Operational Partnership (COP) have signed €1.43 project deal directed at dismantling human trafficking in the country and across the West African sub-region.
The fund tagged – Common Operational Partnership (COP) is billed to run until 2027 with 93% of the fund being bankrolled by the European Union (EU).
The Director General/CEO, NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, who was represented by the Director, Research, Programmes and Development, Josiah Emerole, gave the commendation while signing the partnership framework at John-Wood Suites in Abuja, said the agency has achieved tremendous milestones in its 5Ps – Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership.
According to the DG, the partnership signposts a strategic opportunity to consolidate the agency’s achievements and introduce evidence-based, context-specific approaches to tackling human trafficking and other related crimes in Nigeria.
In laden appreciation to France through CIVIPOL – its Consulting outfit of its Interior Ministry, the Italian Ministry of Interior, the EU, and all other partners for their unwavering support, technical expertise, and steadfast commitment to combating trafficking in human persons across the region, Bello, said: “Your collaboration reinforces the spirit of shared responsibility and global solidarity in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.”
She reinforced that through the COP project, the ongoing coalition work against human trafficking will yield stronger investigations, more successful prosecutions, and better support for victims and survivors.
The DG urged stakeholders to remain united and focused on their shared vision, adding: “Together, we can make COP not only a model of success for Nigeria but also a benchmark for regional cooperation and best practices across West Africa.”
In his remark, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Gautier Mignot, acknowledged that the launch of the COP between France-Italy-Nigeria projects is a milestone in the shared commitment to combat trafficking in human beings and the smuggling of migrants.
“I extend my sincere thanks to all those who contributed to developing this initiative, including CIVIPOL through the Interior Ministries of France and Italy.
“And whose leadership and experience with the COP model is proving fundamental in providing expert coordination to the project, the International Security Cooperation Directorate (DCIS) of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), in particular the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), for their management support.
According to Mignot, Nigeria occupies a central position in this global challenge, explaining that it remains a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking and smuggling, with well-established networks along the main migration routes.
These rings, the Ambassador, said exploits the most vulnerable, undermine security, and violate fundamental rights.
On COP, he said: “Its methodology is practical and results-driven: a comprehensive needs assessment, followed by tailored training, equipment provision, and daily mentoring. This approach builds trust and ensures sustainable impact.”
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, in a remark, said: “The project we are launching today is both concrete and ambitious. It is action–oriented and forward–looking, adding that it aims to strengthen the capacities of law enforcement agencies, particularly NAPTIP, to improve information sharing, encourage joint investigation, and ensure coordinated support for victims”.
Isabelle Wolfsgruber, the Head, International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Isabelle Wolfsgruber, assured that the Centre shall continue to partner with state and non-state actors in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
The project which will be implemented by CIVIPOL and NAPTIP is being bankrolled by the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership facility.