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NAPTIP D-G wants legal framework combating human trafficking-related corruption strengthened
The Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, has recommended the strengthening of legal framework as a measure to combat corruption in human trafficking.
The NAPTIP boss made this recommendation in her research paper presented at the 8th inaugural lecture series of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) on Thursday in Abuja.
The reports have it that the title of the research paper is, “The Interplay between Corruption and Human Trafficking Epidemic: The Implications and Solutions for Nigeria.”
Waziri-Azi stated that the reasons why arrests, investigations, prosecutions and protection had not been successful in human trafficking issues was because of high-level corruption endemic in the system.
She said that corruption had seriously interfered in Nigeria’s policies, adding that if corruption in trafficking in persons was jointly addressed, it would help effectively in combating human trafficking.
The NAPTIP boss said that strengthening of the country’s legal framework would help immensely in ending human trafficking issues, which she said, was prevalent in the country.
She recommended the strengthening of the country’s domestic laws on trafficking in persons, adding that it should be in line with international standards.
“The Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration (TIPPEA) Act 2015 should be amended to include corruption-related human trafficking issues.
“A new section may be introduced or section 34 which provides for tampering with evidence and witness may be amended.
“The section may also make it illegal for a public official to use their office or position to impede investigation, prosecution or execution of a lawful order under the TIPPEA Act.
“The official shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than seven (7) years and to a fine not less than N2,000,000 or both.
“An additional subsection may also be added to provide that ‘Any government official who issues travel documents or facilitate the issuance of same without following the prescribed procedures provided for by law to stop the arrest of offender shall be held liable’,” she stressed.
Waziri-Azi also recommended the enhancing of law enforcement capacities, promoting transparency, accountability and framework of integrity for public officers.
She also called for other joint collaborative efforts of all stakeholders like Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and others, as well as integration of the National Action Plan on human trafficking.
She recommended the enhancement of investigation of corruption-related issues, whistle blower and witness protection mechanism, and transparent and stringent recruitment of staff who work in the risk sectors.
The Director-General of NIALS, Prof. Mohammed Ladan, commended Waziri-Azi for coming up with such research work and stated the relevant section of the constitution that spoke to the topic which the NAPTIP D-G had written about.
NAN
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Nigeria Will Take Good Shape In No Distant Time- Olawande
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande has urged the citizens of the country to be patient with the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in transforming the lives of its citizens through various policies and programs of the federal government.
The Minister made this submission while delivering his speech at the Joint Union Negotiating Council’s week of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development branch. This is the first edition since both Ministries of Youth and Sports had been damaged. The JUNC week which was held at Atiku Hall, Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja had its theme: “The working people in a volatile, uncertain, and complex economy”
In the words of the Honourable Minister: “I urge you to be patient with this administration. In no distant time, the country will take good shape and the lives of its citizens will be transformed”.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not a pauper, he is an acknowledged epitome of wealth, and so it cannot be said of him that he desires to loot the treasury of Nigeria. He has seen money and as a result of this, he is not interested in looting the nation’s treasury”, Olawande explained.
He emphasized that “leadership is all about being committed to serve. If you are a Minister now, tomorrow you will be addressed as a former Minister, likewise a Director because there is no permanent position but the impact that you made while in that office will speak after you”, the Minister reiterated.
Olawande expressed his gratitude to the workers of the Ministry for being supportive of the government policies and programs. He promised that the welfare of the staff would not be compromised, adding that workers deserve remuneration for being hardworking.
Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya admonished the staff of the Ministry to put in their best as “Performance Management System” which replaces APER is the criteria to be used for promotion effective next year. This, according to him is because the Performance Management System (PMS) records the best efforts and input of each staff which will in turn be used to grade such staff.
Olusanya who disclosed that the welfare of the staff is his priority as workers deserve the best for the services rendered. He opined that “the hungry man is angry and as a worker, if you are not treated fairly and properly, it is impossible to get the best out of you. As a result, all staff will be treated properly as motivation to propel the best in you”, he concluded.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, OON, MNI, in her address, informed that the activity to reinvigorate the Civil Service in a bid to ensure that Civil Servants carry out their duties with much diligence to have efficient and incorruptible civil service is currently on course. She advised workers to wake up and be committed to the service of the nation.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Jerry Akume, the General Secretary of the Union expressed his delight in celebrating this year’s edition of the Union week, while highlighting the achievements of the union so far. These include:
Upward review of staff welfare, prompt payment of repatriation allowances, payment of first 28 days allowance, assistance to the sick, general training of staff, and sending forth/retirement package for retired staff.
He also appealed to the Management of the Ministry, saying that irrespective of the aforementioned achievements, a lot still needs to be done in such areas as procurement of staff buses, upward review of welfare payment for festive periods, consistent general staff training, and procurement of office and work materials.
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