The Federal Government of Nigeria has tasked the global community on the need to adopt the NORDIC model approach to prostitution, strengthen international cooperation through uncensored intelligence sharing to prevent and combat human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, trafficking in firearms and other serious crimes.
The NORDIC Model approach to prostitution otherwise known as Sex Buyer Law criminalizes buying of sex from victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution in order to reduce the demand that drives human trafficking.
- This becomes necessary in view of the enormous threats and security implications posed on the global community by illicit financial flows, cybercrime and trafficking in persons which has scaled up the level of terrorism, kidnapping and other organized crimes.
- Leader of the Nigeria delegation to the ongoing United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) holding in Vienna and Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dame Julie Okah – Donli, stated this while delivering the Nigeria statement at the opening of the programme.
- The Convention is the annual convocation of nations across the world aimed at reviewing activities of member states, appraise efforts and make recommendations where necessary on areas of improvement and collaboration in the fight against organized crimes.
- Dame Julie Okah – Donli said “ Nigeria is concerned that Terrorism that continues to threaten peace and security at the global, regional and national levels, and continues to deploy resources to combat terrorist groups, such as Boko Haram, which has continued to further its criminal activities in Nigeria and border countries. We condemn acts of terrorism in all its manifestations, including kidnapping and hostage taking by terrorists to raise funds, the activities of foreign terrorist fighters, the linkage with corruption, illicit financial flows, cybercrime and trafficking in persons, call on all Member States to strengthen cooperation at all levels to combat the threat posed by terrorism and to enhance timely information sharing, logistical support and capacity-building activities as provided by the UNODC to requesting Member States.
- “My delegation underscores the contributions of the Intergovernmental Working Groups established under the Convention, and highlights the importance of International Cooperation in facilitating Mutual Legal Assistance for the tracing, freezing, seizure, confiscation and unconditional return of proceeds of crime to the countries of their origin as well as for Extradition and Exchange of information in transnational criminal cases, particularly, Trafficking in Persons, Cultural Property, Drugs and Firearms.
- “The National Agency for the Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has continued to carry out its operations to adapt to new challenges and emerging trends through 5Ps Strategic Approach namely; Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership. Under this strategy, Policy documents are being developed to address specific issues, such as children in formal care, reintegration, reporting, and victims’ protection and assistance. These programmes have been developed following the re-enactment of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition, Enforcement and Administration (TIPPEA Act) 2015.
- “Nigeria continues to take serious measures to fulfil her obligations under the UNTOC and Protocols thereto, by improving domestic conditions through our comprehensive Strategic Action Plan. The Action Plan guides national responses to issues of human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, Trafficking in Firearms, corruption, terrorism, illicit financial flows, money laundering, drug trafficking and other serious crimes as defined in the Convention, and also taking into account the UN Global Action Plan adapted to our country’s specific situations, challenges and priorities “, the Leaders of the Nigerian delegation, Dame Julie Okah – Donli, said.
- The ongoing 10th session of the UNTOC is being attended by about 162 Countries and 37 Non – Governmental organizations with emphasis on the effect of COVID 19 as a major accelerator of criminal activities and urging member states to take a multilateral approach in combating organized crime.
Adekoye Vincent
Press and Public Relations Unit
NAPTIP
