The fight against human trafficking and smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria has
assumed another dimension as member of the online Media Community made
up Wikimedia Contributors, Volunteer Editors, and other literary personalities,
have resolved to redouble their efforts through sustained media enlightenment
reports in order to reduce the vulnerability of Nigerians and run the traffickers
out of their illicit business.
The Group expressed worry over the unwholesome activities of the traffickers
who have now shifted attention to online recruitment of victims taking advantage
of the COVID-19, various global occurrences and the latest Russian – Ukraine war.
This is part of the take home at the ongoing 2 Days Capacity Building and
Editation Workshop on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrant for
Wikipedia Editors in the Country holding in Lagos.
The workshop is designed to secure the support and collaboration of Wikimedia
Users in Nigeria in the renewed fight against human trafficking and smuggling of
migrants through content generation, prompt dissemination of anti-human
trafficking information, unsolicited media reports and analysis as well as giving
prominence and visibility to issues of human trafficking.
The programme is a component of the Action Against Trafficking in Persons and
Smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria (A-TIPSOM) awareness and sensitization
programme for critical partners and online stakeholders aimed at eradicating
Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening session of the well- attended workshop, Team Leader, A-
TIPSOM Project Nigeria, Mr Rafael Rios Molina, reiterated the commitment of the
Project toward eradication of the Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants in
Nigeria noting that the meeting of the Wikimedia User Group was informed by
the need to approach tackle the traffickers from various angles.
The A-TIPSOM Team Leader pledged to continue to partner relevant Ministries,
Department and Agencies in the Country in creating the desired awareness
through deliberate sensitization programme and sustained advocacy.
In his goodwill message, the National President, Wikimedia Nigeria Users Group,
Mr. Olaniyan Olusola, described human traffickers as enemies of the State that
must be flushed out of the country through a collective efforts and increased
advocacy.
He tasked participants on the need to initiate enlightenment articles and reports
that will expose the tricks and trends of human trafficking and Smuggling of
Migrants in the Country adding that Wikimedia Users should rise up to counter
the unpleasant narratives of human trafficking in order to compliment the efforts
of NAPTIP.
The highly commendable workshop has participants from the media desks of
NAPTIP, NIS and the Police including the National Public Relations Officers of
NACTAL including over 50 Wikimedia Users drawn from the 8 States in Nigeria in
attendance.
It is the first major convocation of Wikimedia Users towards the fight Against
Human trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants in the Country.
Adekoye Vincent
Press and Public Relations Unit
NAPTIP
29 th March 2022
