Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has raised alarm over the rising cases of human trafficking and child labor, attributing the worsening trend to the growing “get rich quick syndrome” in society. Tinubu’s comments came during a meeting with officials from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) at the State House in Abuja. She expressed grave concern about the alarming increase in trafficking incidents across the country and reiterated her commitment to supporting NAPTIP’s efforts to tackle the issue.
In her meeting with NAPTIP’s Director General, Hajia Binta Lami Adamu Bello, Tinubu emphasized the importance of a united front in combating human trafficking. She described the phenomenon as a significant national challenge that requires the attention of all sectors of society. Her statement echoed the increasing need for stronger policies and initiatives to safeguard vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, from exploitation.
One of the most disturbing recent cases, Tinubu highlighted, was a raid on a baby factory in Abuja, where 19 pregnant teenagers were rescued. This incident underlined the urgency of addressing human trafficking, especially its devastating impact on young girls. “The obsession with quick wealth is worsening the situation. Even religious institutions promote prosperity messages, yet the Bible emphasizes hard work,” Tinubu remarked during the meeting. She further criticized the role of social media and the film industry in fueling negative influences on the youth, urging for a collective effort to address the root causes of such behaviors.
The First Lady also pledged to work closely with the wives of state governors across the country to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking. She stressed that by collaborating with various stakeholders, including local governments and civil society organizations, more efforts could be channeled into supporting NAPTIP’s anti-trafficking initiatives. “We must continue to inform our communities about the dangers of trafficking and the steps they can take to prevent it,” she added.
Hajia Bello, in her address, painted a grim picture of the scale of human trafficking, calling it the second-largest transnational organized crime after drug trafficking. She urged for urgent intervention from all levels of government and society to curb the growing menace. Bello specifically called for increased backing for vocational training programs, public awareness campaigns, shelter provisions for survivors, and essential policy reforms that could address trafficking and exploitation in a more comprehensive manner.
The NAPTIP Director General further stressed that human trafficking is not just a criminal issue, but a social one that requires the active involvement of all Nigerians. “We need the support of everyone—communities, religious groups, schools, and government agencies—to tackle this menace,” she stated. Bello’s call for widespread collaboration emphasized the importance of creating a more effective, coordinated approach to fight trafficking in persons.
In a separate engagement with the National Council for Women Societies of Nigeria (NCWS), Tinubu continued her advocacy for women’s empowerment, urging members of the council to take full advantage of the government’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). She emphasized the initiative’s potential to improve the livelihoods of women and strengthen families nationwide. Tinubu stressed that the empowerment of women is crucial to addressing social problems like human trafficking and child labor.
