The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) has established a state-of-the-art Human Trafficking and Taskforce Centre.
During the official handover ceremony of the Countering Human Trafficking Office, generously donated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Governments of the United States, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, emphasized the pivotal role this Centre will play in intensifying the fight against human trafficking.
Housed within the headquarters of the LNSA at Oshodi, the Centre will accommodate both the Human Trafficking Unit of the LNSA and the Taskforce on Human Trafficking.
Acknowledging the international support, Mr. Pedro expressed gratitude to the United Nations, the United States, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for providing a well-equipped office space. The collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) was also commended, underlining the importance of effective information sharing in the ongoing battle against human trafficking.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Professor Fatima Waziri, lauded the Lagos State Government and the LNSA for their dedicated efforts, urging continued collaboration. Mrs. Eva de Wilt of the Kingdom of the Netherlands highlighted the evolving tactics of human traffickers, emphasizing the need for persistent action.
The Consul-General of the United States Embassy, Will Stevens, pledged ongoing support, particularly in capacity building, attributing the surge in human trafficking to the “JAPA” syndrome.
In his appreciation, Prince (Dr.) Ifalade Oyekan, FSIN, General Manager of the LNSA, thanked Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the visionary rebranding of the Agency, resulting in tangible achievements. Oyekan assured both the donor agencies and the people of Lagos State of the LNSA’s unwavering commitment to the Centre’s purpose in combating human trafficking. This initiative stands as a beacon in the collective efforts to create a safer and more secure Lagos.
