The Nigerian Senate has ordered a comprehensive investigation into travel agencies suspected of facilitating human trafficking and the exploitation of Nigerians in Libya.
The resolution followed the adoption of a report on the urgent need to protect Nigerians from trafficking, slavery and human rights abuses in Libya during plenary on Tuesday.
Presenting the report, Senator Anthony Yaro, who represents Gombe South, said the recommendations were aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to human trafficking, protecting victims and dismantling criminal networks involved in the illegal movement of Nigerians abroad.
Yaro presented the report on behalf of the joint committees on Diaspora, Judiciary, Foreign Affairs and Special Duties. Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central also supported the recommendations.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate directed the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate the activities of suspected travel agencies.
The agencies are expected to question directors, officers and agents of identified companies to determine their possible involvement in trafficking operations.
The investigation will focus on uncovering recruitment networks, financial transactions and travel arrangements allegedly connected to the trafficking and exploitation of Nigerians in foreign countries.
The lawmakers also called for increased funding for NAPTIP and other relevant agencies to strengthen their capacity to investigate trafficking cases, prosecute offenders and protect vulnerable citizens.
In addition, the Senate recommended the establishment of a national protection and reintegration programme for Nigerians returning home after being trafficked or subjected to exploitation abroad.
The programme is expected to be coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in collaboration with NAPTIP.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Libya through bilateral and multilateral channels to combat human trafficking and promote safe and legal migration.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South, argued that Nigeria’s major challenge was not the absence of laws against human trafficking but the failure to enforce existing legislation and ensure that offenders were held accountable.
He stressed the importance of effective law enforcement in addressing the problem and preventing criminal networks from continuing their activities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also called for tougher measures to discourage human trafficking and other serious crimes.
Recalling his time as governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio said he had signed an anti-kidnapping law prescribing the death penalty and the forfeiture of properties where kidnapped victims were found.
He also advocated a strict Know-Your-Tenant policy, arguing that landlords should be able to provide information about people living in their properties when criminal activities are linked to their premises.
According to him, landlords who fail to account for their tenants could face scrutiny over their possible involvement in criminal activities.
The Senate’s resolutions highlight the need for stronger enforcement of anti-trafficking laws, improved rehabilitation for victims and better coordination among security agencies and government institutions.
The proposed investigation is expected to help identify individuals and organisations allegedly involved in trafficking Nigerians to Libya and other destinations, while supporting efforts to dismantle the networks responsible for their exploitation.
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