The Bayelsa Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Abieyuwa Ikhidero on Wednesday declared zero tolerance to human trafficking and any form of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Bayelsa.

Ikhidero stated this during a courtesy visit by Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation, (ENWAF), a Non Governmental Organisation.

She commended the organization for advocating for women and girls and emphasised NAPTIP’s mandate of protection, prevention, prosecution, and policy.

She also mentioned that NAPTIP has carried out over 50 sensitization programs in the state and is committed to waging war against traffickers.

“The agency’s efforts align with its mission to prevent and prosecute human trafficking while protecting the rights of women and girls.

“NAPTIP has convened meetings to tackle emerging issues and secure convictions related to human trafficking, and the agency has pledged to end human trafficking in Bayelsa, ” she said.

Ikhidero recalled that the Reforms/Servicom Unit of NAPTIP was established to serve as an internal control mechanism that expresses the agency’s zero tolerance for corruption.

She explained that the unit was established to enhance staff service delivery in advancing the agency’s mission in relation to victims, the general public, and relevant stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking.

Earlier the CEO of ENWAF, Lady Eunice Nnachi reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to combating human trafficking and SGBV through a strengthened partnership with NAPTIP.

Nnachi who emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to reduce human trafficking and SGBV in Nigeria, particularly in Bayelsa, expressed optimism that the partnership would help in addressing these issues.

“ENWAF would provide continuous support in furtherance to the mandate of both organisations to end human trafficking and other related offences”

” I know that collaborative efforts involving key players is one way to stem the tide of human trafficking in the country.” Nnachi said.

Highlight of the courtesy visit was the presentation of a pamphlet, detailing the mission statement and mandate of NAPTIP, as well as the offences and punishment created under the Act establishing NAPTIP.