By Gloria Emmanuel Nigeria and Spain have commenced discussion towards brokering a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for effective eradication of human trafficking, targeting trafficking networks in both countries.
The Head, Media and Communications of National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP), Mr Arinze Orakwue disclosed this in a statement Monday in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, the Executive Secretary of NAPTIP, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba raised the Federal Government’s concern on the need for sending and receiving countries to close ranks to strengthen cooperation in the fight against illegal migration and all forms of human trafficking.
The NAPTIP boss said that involvement of all parties working together at different capacities will see to the eradication of the scourge.
Both parties are required to further examine the agreement which is expected to be signed at a later date.
This agreement, when finally ratified will boost the Agency’s working relationship with Spain and also give both parties the legal understanding to operate together maximally.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, who facilitated a meeting between NAPTIP delegation, Non Governmental Organisation (NGO’s) and the leadership of the Nigerian community in Spain.
She thanked the Agency for its good work and said more collaborative efforts such as that between Nigeria and Spain will go a long way in curbing the crime.
The high level discussion which held at the Campillo Del Mundo, Nuevo, Spain had in attendance, the executive Secretary of NAPTIP, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Mr. David Parrandang, the General Directorate of Spanish Police, Mr. Cosido Ignacio, was part of efforts between both countries in the area of joint Intelligence, investigation, forensic science, capacity building, as well as victim protection and assistance.
NAPTIP has over the years signed Memoranda of Understanding with countries like Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Swiss Federation, amongst others which has fostered greater cooperation between NAPTIP and these countries and have aided the agency in carrying out its functions.
